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)

Explains the need for accelerated deacidification practices at the Public Archives of Canada. Methods mentioned which prevent acid attack are aqueous and nonaqueous deacidification, gaseous deacidification solutions, and mass deacidification. The process of mass deacidification, developed at a pilot plant, is compared to workings of a refrigerator…