***Update***
Update 9/8/05: Terrific response. Need was met! http://geauxteam.typepad.com/help/2005/09/louisiana_state.html

I received this from my OHSLA email list and thought I would pass it on.

To the Library community:
I know that many of you are wondering what you can do for the folks in the states which have suffered from Hurricane Katrina. I have heard from several of the State Librarians and the damage ranges from minor flooding to total devastation. It is heartbreaking to see the damage and so many misplaced people.

If you are interested and able to send computers, here is a request from the Louisiana State Librarian, Rebecca Hamilton.

"To all--we are in desperate need of computers/printers. We are being inundated with evacuees needing to file FEMA applications, unemployment, search for loved ones, etc. and are coming into our public libraries to use the computers. Our libraries have greatly extended their hours to accommodate the people but they need additional computers and printers. If you can please put the word out that if anyone wants to help immediately, this is our greatest need."

The specs for the computers:

• Pentium 3
• Windows 2000, prefer XP
• Laser printers if you can still get toner for them

If you are able to assist by sending computers, please let Rebecca know via email: Rebecca Hamilton rhamilton@crt.state.la.us just just to help them plan. This will help her know what to expect and also help us to know (if necessary) when to stop sending them there. I am sure that we will hear from other states about similar needs.

Computers may be sent to State Library of Louisiana, 701 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, La. 70802-5232