Like every institution that uses energy, consumes resources, and engages in construction or renovation, libraries have an impact on the environment and on the critical problem of climate change. Taking action to protect library collections is not only an idealistic professional goal but also a very practical one. Disaster preparation measures and…

Reviews methods being developed for mass deacidification of books to prevent deterioration of paper. The use of diethyl zinc, liquified gas, and morpholine, and the advantages, disadvantages, and cost of each are considered. A 26-item bibliography is included. (JD)

Proposes, in the spirit of good library keeping, a regional cooperative approach to the preservation of library materials which would embody conservation services of a lower order than a conservation laboratory: e.g., stack cleaning, facilities inspection and repair, and book dusting. (JD)

Discusses the threats to books and periodicals posed by such insects as book lice, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, firebrats, and beetles; reviews past methods of pest control; and describes a technique for insect control using microwaves. The results of tests of microwave effects on publications are reported, necessary precautions are…

The Deputy Librarian of Congress responds to a Library Journal editorial on the Library of Congress' role in the development of the diethyl zinc process in preservation technology. Safety issues, DEZ as prototype, progress and success claims, deciding which books to save, and why DEZ should be used are explained. (EM)

Reports on a survey of the book collection at the Wellsley Free Library (MA) to ascertain the age and physical condition of the collection and causes of damage. Cost implications and proposed solutions are discussed, and the significance of the findings for public libraries is considered. (five references) (MES)

This proposal for training conservators of library and archival materials reviews recent activities of national conservation groups, names conservation characteristics that would influence such training, describes conservation jobs, and identifies needs and priorities of the field and of individual institutions. (JD)

Makes a case for an in-house minor repairs workshop to treat circulating materials of a small research library. Preservation methods, materials, and training are discussed, and useful reference sources are mentioned. (JD)

Discusses the need for emergency planning for libraries to ensure that disaster response teams are ready to deal with a variety of possible calamities. Guidelines are given for writing a disaster plan, including floor plans, emergency procedures, insurance coverage, treatment of damaged materials, and reallocation of staff and collections. (LRW)

Three major difficulties in establishing effective cooperative conservation programs are: (1) the problem of allocation of responsibilities for preserving individual items; (2) the lack of people adequately trained in physical preservation; and (3) the need for a national initiative in preservation. (PF)

Encourages establishment of priorities and allocation of funds to support the preservation of library materials. Improper storage and handling practices are threatening the continued existence of much recorded information. Techniques, programs, and trained personnel are needed to arrest deterioration of library materials. (RAA)

Discussion of digital imaging technology focuses on its potential use for preservation of library materials. Topics addressed include converting microfilm to digital; the high cost of conversion from paper or microfilm; quality; indexing; database management issues; incompatibility among imaging systems; longevity; cooperative pilot projects; and…