Categorizes contemporary methods of binding printed materials in terms of physical preservation--hand binding (archival restoration), edition binding (paperback, hardcover), publication binding (magazines), textbook binding (sidesewn), single-sheet binding (loose-leaf, mechanical), and library binding (oversewn, sidesewn). Seven references are…

Describes Thomas Edison's struggle to establish standards for authenticity in recording phonograph discs and cylinders, including the tone tests he conducted from 1915 to 1927, and describes the various types of discs and cylinders produced by Edison Laboratories during that period. Four references are included. (EJS)

The first of two articles discusses the need for a cooperative approach by the curator and conservator to the physical conservation and preservation of meaning of rare books. The second paper considers issues in special collections security and describes some major library thefts of the last 25 years. (MES)

Describes various microforms (any form, either film or paper, which contains microimages), indicating the advantages and disadvantages of roll film, aperture cards, microfiche, jackets, and micro-opaques. Phases and benefits of micropublishing, seven types of microfilm, safety film, processed microfilm, and storage are noted. Ten references are…

The first of two articles provides an introduction to this issue. The second article discusses the key issues in rare book librarianship over the past 50 years, including acquisition, care, handling, storage, preservation, cataloging, classifying, processing, circulation, security, and training. Both references and a 77-item bibliography are…

Studies involving condition of paper in libraries are reviewed, noting the folding endurance test, paper quality, and the work of William Barrow in field of conservation and production of long-lasting paper. The theory of paper-making, types of degradation, and treatments for acid paper are included. Sixty references are cited. (EJS)

Provides specific information on varying photographic materials and processes to aid archivists and curators in preserving photograph collections. Preservation problems related to major types of silver prints on paper (salt, albumen, collodion, gelatin) and to the silver image (oxidation, silver sulfide) are covered. Twenty references are cited.…

Highlights some of the skills and technological advances that have changed the way special collections are preserved in reference to two approaches: item-level conservation and collections conservation. Discusses mechanical paper splitting; computer imaging and mechanization; mass deacidification; controlling temperature, humidity, pests, and…

The importance of preserving and restoring ephemeral art materials is emphasized and useful techniques are described. (PF)

Discussion of the administration of the preservation of library materials presents observations of the field based on the author's experiences and briefly describes related programs conducted by Yale University Libraries, Association of Research Libraries Office of Management Studies, and School of Library Service at Columbia University. Four…

Enumerates criteria for the selection of audio system speaker equipment for archivists interested in achieving sound reproduction fidelity, noting frequency response, flat response, intermodulation distortion, arrival time, and placement of equipment. Illustrative materials and three references are provided. (EJS)

Reviews efforts by academic research institutions to capture and preserve archival records of American labor institutions, focusing on a recent project to assess the state of labor archives efforts and the challenges facing union officials and labor archivists. Describes the Labor Archives Project (LAP), including the research methodology and…

Examines the current practices of film and video preservation in libraries and examines barriers that have hindered the development of full-fledged preservation programs for them. Topics include advances in education and training; preservation paradigms; and mechanics of film production that affect preservation. (Author/LRW)

This review of the state of the art of preservation and restoration of authenticity in sound recordings discusses both historical problems against the background of the development of phonography and certain aspects of the current use of audio technology. (13 references) (Author/SJ)

A number of threats to the integrity of digital image information can be identified when standard practices in museums and archives are examined. Systematic consideration of risk factors can inform the creation of procedures and application of security that works to guarantee the reliability and accuracy of digital image assets. (Author/AEF)