Academic libraries have been subjected to disruptive events throughout history. Academic literature primarily provides case study examples of incidents, guidance on developing an emergency management plan or advice on recovering or restoring items, particularly related to Special Collections, which require specific handling expertise. Increasingly, however, academic libraries may require a changed approach to traditional risk management thinking, increasing consideration towards resilience-building measures. In addition, many academic libraries are unaware of how efforts to protect items of cultural or historical significance held in Special Collections, are contributing to international frameworks in disaster risk reduction. This paper will review findings from a literature review, providing examples of disruptive events within academic libraries, and consider how academic libraries may build resilience against disruptive events in order to contribute to international efforts to protect cultural heritage within international disaster risk reduction frameworks.