The first section of this article surveys the literature regarding the news media's reporting of disasters. The second section describes the media reports of the July 1997 natural disaster's impact upon Morgan Library at Colorado State University. The third section analyses the report from the Colorado State University's disaster as compared to the research literature, media by media: broadcast, national newspapers and wire services. Colorado (local) newspapers, library press, and specialized publications. The conclusion presents concerns about media reporting and the apparent lack of concern for accuracy; this case study serves as a warning to all librarians and researchers.
This list of literature comprises all the citations provided by the numerous researchers and practitioners in support of their research and analysis published in the book, Disasters by design, combined with additional references provided by the many reviewers and others who took it upon themselves to make a bibliographic contribution.
