FLICC/FEDLINK staff have been in contact with agency headquarters offices to learn about the status of federal libraries in the Gulf region. We will continue to work with agencies and vendors as needed as they pursue their recovery efforts.

We have posted on our Web site some links to useful information, such as the U.S. Postal Service updates, and sources of information related to procurement and regulations covering Katrina relief contracts at http://www.loc.gov/flicc/katrina.html.

We also want to alert you to excellent work being done by our sister network, Solinet. See www.solinet.net for further information about their clearinghouse. Their job bank is of special interest. If you can offer temporary work to library staff, see the "Employment" button under "If your library or institution can offer assistance..."

We are following with interest the work being done by the Heritage National Emergency Task Force to help recover materials in libraries and other cultural institutions. The Library of Congress, FEMA, National Archives and Records Administration, NEH and many others are working together to identify and salvage valuable assets. See www.loc.gov/preserv for more information.

We now especially want to help reduce financial liabilities and to know what vendors are doing to support customers. We can help determine the likely status of FY2006 renewals, if FEDLINK vendors need assistance. We ask that company representatives email Jim Oliver, FEDLINK Vendor Services Coordinator, at [log in to unmask], to send us any press releases, URLs for pertinent information on your web sites, or other written information you have already prepared. Call Jim if you have questions or comments at 202-707-4960. Thank you to those who have already shared such information. We also have learned that, in general, publishers are holding journal shipments and many will extend subscriptions or work to help replace some missing issues.

Thank you to everyone who has shared what they know. We salute those who are working to recover and reestablish the lives and businesses damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Sincerely,

Roberta I Shaffer
FLICC Executive Director

and

Joan Fitts
Head of FEDLINK Contracts