Introduction

This chapter discusses the preservation of library materials and the move towards digitization of library resources that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Preservation of the knowledge of humankind is a fundamental role for many libraries; however, the pressures to deliver such material to users can clash with that role, as increasing access to the original can see it becoming damaged. Digital technologies offer a potential solution to the access issue, as many users can access the same digital file in various locations. The issue of whether the digital surrogate can replace the original item is one that is hotly debated, however.

The chapter has four main aims:

Preservation

Preservation entails observing a library collection and monitoring its condition for deterioration, and ensuring any work necessary for the long-term survival of an item in that collection is considered and actioned. Part of managing a collection involves making sure that it remains in good condition: this is a test for libraries of all types, but especially those that are responsible for collections of old or fragile material. While a library can gain added prestige by holding collections of such material, it poses significant extra challenges for the librarian charged with the responsibility.

Libraries of all types that have been in existence for significant periods of time will be faced with the issue of preservation. It is essential to know how library materials deteriorate, how disasters such as floods or fire can affect a collection, what sorts of preventative measures can be taken, and how to take positive steps after the event.

The Library of Congress (2006) has produced an excellent set of guidelines for preservation of library materials, and the discussion below will summarize their advice on the care and preservation of different formats.

Preservation of library materials

As discussed earlier, the book can be a fragile item, and the more it is read by library users, the more chance there will be that it will deteriorate. Of concern should also be how the book is stored when in the library.