The 2023 floods in Italy. A test of preparedness for libraries and archives

The floods that hit Emilia Romagna, Marche and Tuscany in Italy in 2023 were a devastating event that severely impacted several cultural heritage institutions, particularly libraries and archives. Despite past disasters that had already revealed the vulnerability of these type of institutions, preparedness proved inadequate, and the response to the emergency was fraught with difficulties. The authors - conservators, and conservation scientists operating in the Ministry of Culture - were involved in the damage assessment, salvage, and restoration phases of archival, bibliographic, photographic, and digital materials. The article highlights how the lack of structured emergency plans, inadequate resources, and delays in institutional responses all contributed to further exacerbate the critical situation. Although the generous and meritorious participation of trained and civil volunteers helped in the recovery phase, the lack of preparedness and recovery plans impaired a cost effective and sustainable intervention.