Lack of conservation programs, inadequate and improper storage facilities for archives, and lack of book repair personnel and restoration programs have resulted in a life expectancy of less than 50 years for most library holdings. Recent efforts to find solutions to the problem are identified. (JAB)

The Association of Research Libraries distributed a survey to its 119 member libraries to assess the use of state-of-the-art digital technologies as a preservation method. Libraries were asked to report detailed data on all projects designed specifically to: (1) enhance images of faded or brittle originals, (2) provide access to digital images…

Discusses problems of processing and handling aural and graphic archives. (Author/PF)

In this collection of papers presented at "The State of Digital Preservation: An International Perspective" conference (Washington, DC, April 24-25, 2002), leading experts from the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia describe current practices and challenges in digital preservation. Contents include: "Introduction: The…

Considers three issues: whether conversion to digital form is a preservation action; the contrasts between selection for digital conversion and selection for traditional preservation; and the potential effects on the field of preservation. Includes an appendix listing cost elements of digital conversion. (AEF)

Illustrates the importance of following the advice in the American Library Association's "Preservation Microfilming" guide and maintains that in library and archive-preservation microfilming, 100% inspection should be conducted on every completed film. Discusses inspection criteria and examining what is and was being filmed and what is…

A report by the Commission on Preservation and Access and the Research Libraries Group (May 1996) recommends a certification process for digital archives and calls for a legal authority to rescue digital files in danger of being lost. Reactions of the library, archival, and educational communities are reviewed and current actions being taken are…

Argues that a national preservation effort is needed to protect Catholic newspapers. Discusses the American Theological Library Association, the Center for Research Libraries, the Catholic Archives of Texas, the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center, as well as digital preservation efforts and grant possibilities. (AEF)

This paper takes a historical and methodological approach to explain the gap of reciprocal awareness that exists between many archivists and librarians. It is argued that a much closer relationship between the two professions would enable them to confront common issues in the coordinated manner necessary for optimum benefits to society. The…

A reference guide from leading experts in the field, this book covers the repair, maintenance, and preservation of library or archive collections, providing a definitive and authoritative analysis of how to plan for and ensure the long-term health of an institution's collection in this digital age. Chapters include: (1) "Defining the Library…

This book addresses some common preservation techniques that invariably become necessary in library and archival collections of any size. The procedures are described in chronological sequence, and photographs show the techniques from the viewpoint of the person actually doing the work. The recommended repair methods can be accomplished using…

The purpose of the reformatting operations at the New York State Library (Albany, New York) is to preserve the content of brittle, rare, out-of-print, or damaged materials and to enhance the accessibility of New York State government documents. This article describes the roles of staff members, and discusses microfilming/microfiching,…

Describes experiences of Genealogical Library of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in using micrographics technology to preserve records of permanent value from throughout the world. Highlights include selecting and filming records processing and sorting film, cataloging and using microforms, and what the future holds. Three sources are…

All institutions face the deterioration of works of art on paper. This latest volume in the Occasional Papers series is a practical guide for professionals needing to store and preserve works of art on paper. The author--Head of Conservation at the Minnesota Historical Society who has 28 years' experience as a practicing conservator, consultant,…