Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-j824f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-05T08:48:26.474Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

9 - Preservation and digitization

from Part 2 - Library and information resources and services

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2018

Get access

Summary

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:

  • • to discuss the role of different libraries in the issue of preservation

  • • to discuss the importance of digitization in the context of libraries

  • • to define file formats and popular software for digital conversion

  • • to highlight some examples of best practice.

  • 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.

    Type
    Chapter
    Information
    Librarianship
    An introduction
    , pp. 73 - 84
    Publisher: Facet
    Print publication year: 2007

    Access options

    Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

    Save book to Kindle

    To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

    Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

    Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

    Available formats
    ×

    Save book to Dropbox

    To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

    Available formats
    ×

    Save book to Google Drive

    To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

    Available formats
    ×