On the basis of experience acquired after two serious disasters in 1985 in the U.S., one, a fire at the Dalhousie University Law Library, and the other a flood in the Roanoke, Virginia area, the author explains how to treat water-damaged books, documents, micrographic and magnetic media materials. The rescue operations organized by the Document Reprocessors of San Francisco company, funded by the author, are detailed. Appendix A gives a summary of emergency procedures; appendix B suggests how to organize a disaster recovery team; appendix C gives a checklist for recovery operations; appendix D lists sources of assistance. Two other books are given as recommended reading. -- AATA