Because of the serious and rapid deterioration of post-1850 books in the collections of major research libraries, it is vital for these libraries to add a conservation librarian to their staffs and to develop conservation departments. (Author)

Describes a project of the Center for Research Libraries to preserve its collection of U.S. ethnic newspapers in microform and to create a database of the material. (MES)

This report identifies steps that might be taken by organizations, individual libraries, and libraries acting collectively to work towards resolution of the many problems that create the difficult and complex situation facing research libraries that has been brought on by the physical deterioration of books and journals. An attempt is made to…

Research libraries are urged to take part in a National Preservation Program for their most important library materials. Techniques of conservation of past and current materials, including microfilming and storage at low temperatures, are discussed, while a national preservation center which would store materials is also proposed. Development of…

Designed to provide logical guidelines and to outline optimum conditions for the conservation of a research library collection, this "mock" policy statement can be modified to a particular library's situation. It includes principles of conservation and elements of a comprehensive conservation program, such as collection maintenance, and…

Designed to provide background for the planning of collection preservation programs in the libraries of the University of California, this paper presents an overview of the preservation problem, makes specific recommendations for further programs within the University of California library system, and assesses the needs of the system with regard…

Profiles National Archives established by Congress in 1934 to collect and organize federal documents of permanent historic value. Types of materials included in archives, the Washington building and regional centers, the "Declaration of Independence," arrangement and preservation of materials, declassification of documents, and archives…

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)

No single library can hope to acquire and organize for use more than a fraction of the primary sources of popular culture. Interinstitutional cooperation in identifying and preserving these fragile records of American culture is underway, but many unsolved problems remain for librarians and scholars. (8 references) (Author)

In 1983, the Association of Research Libraries adopted as its third principal objective for a 5-year plan: "to increase the number of member libraries engaged in programs to preserve their collections." ARL efforts to achieve this objective are aimed at helping libraries meet this responsibility locally and these guidelines propose an…

A March 1980 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey on preservation indicated that more than half the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) membership were operating some type of active preservation program. This kit on basic preservation procedures contains policy statements, guidelines, and procedural instructions (many…

Presentations on NCIP (North American Collections Inventory Project) program developments and future program directions are combined with business meeting minutes in this report from the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). The text of remarks presented as part of a panel discussion on the program theme includes: (1) "Development and Use…

Describes three areas of concern common to most major research libraries--storage requirements, preservation of library collections, and remote access to library resources--that are adaptable to current developments in computer-based information delivery. Data on University of California's nine-campus library system is cited. Eleven sources are…

Describes the accomplishments of a cooperative effort to develop an online inventory of research library collections. Topics covered include the development of collection mapping tools and resources; the establishment of general requirements and policies; and the implications for the future of coordinated management of research collections. (20…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit draws on materials related to preservation activities that have evolved over the past six years. In addition, information obtained from 97 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries that responded to a 1984/85 pilot preservation survey conducted by the ARL Microform Project, as…