This paper addresses the preservation needs unique to small libraries, where the majority of special collections exist. A preservation survey of the Herrick Memorial Library (Wellington, OH) was conducted to ascertain the condition of its 45,000 holdings and develop a practical low-cost disaster plan. Using accepted preservation survey criteria, the building and physical plant were examined in order to determine any susceptibility to environmental threat and if so, evaluate any impact it may have upon the library's collection. The study also examined a wide variety of preservation issues, from the existence of a written preservation plan to the extent of damage to the print collection from acidification. The research focused on four areas: (1) the extent of a preservation policy at any level within the library and how knowledgeable the staff was in preservation awareness and procedures; (2) an environmental survey to evaluate the suitability of the building for housing the collection; (3) a survey of the collection to assess the physical condition and state of repair of selected library holdings and to determine the nature and magnitude of any problems identified; and (4) the development of a practical and low-cost library disaster response plan. Includes the disaster plan, emergency instruction sheet, phone tree, recommended supplies, fire/disaster inspection checklist, emergency/fire evacuation plan, and key control log. The National Archive and Record Administration "Preservation of Water Damaged Library Materials" and flowchart illustrating the treatment of water damaged books and papers are appended. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/SWC)