Delineates the types of decisions involved in the preservation of library collections and suggests decision-making structures and criteria for each type of decision. The information gaps which limit the ability to make intelligent preservation decisions are also discussed. (Author/JL)

Discusses the growing emphasis on preservation in academic libraries and examines the assumptions underlying the prevalent approach of one-time reformatting using microforms. A model for preservation policy and planning based on needs assessment and prioritizing is presented, and alternatives to current practices are considered. (10 references)…