This paper's review of current issues in shared print retention and preservation identifies such shared issues as the cataloging and validation, retention and withdrawal of holdings, loss rates, current condition of holdings, recommendations for the number of copies to retain, and storage environments. Library institutions require a communitywide…

Special collections libraries collect and preserve materials of intellectual and cultural heritage, providing access to unique research resources. As their holdings continue to expand, special collections in research libraries confront increased space pressures. Off-site storage facilities, used frequently by research libraries for general…

This is the first comprehensive, national-level study of the state of sound recording preservation ever conducted in the U.S. The authors have produced a study outlining the web of interlocking issues that now threaten the long-term survival of the sound recording history. This study tells everyone that major areas of America's recorded sound…

This document explores the transition from an analog to a digital environment for knowledge access, preservation, and reconstitution, and the implications of this transition for managing research collections. The volume comprises three reports. The first, "Can a New Research Library be All-Digital?" by Lisa Spiro and Geneva Henry,…

Discusses electronic-document preservation and argues that digital tablets, storing both the documents and the software to use them, should be developed as a more permanent alternative to migration, currently the primary preservation strategy. Discusses technology that could be used to produce a digital tablet, lists life expectancy of digital…

The deterioration of printed materials is a problem which is plaguing libraries worldwide. Preservation of these millions of volumes is a daunting task--many of the materials are so brittle that the lightest touch may damage them irrevocably. This paper explores the issues of maintaining preservation efficiency without infringing upon copyright…

The rapid growth and distribution of scholarly research in the middle and late twentieth century, the limited supply of old books and other paper-based materials, and the deterioration of items printed on acidic paper since the mid-1800s have meant that many libraries lack suitable copies of printed sources that their users would like to read. For…

The problems of storage and maintenance which confront the map librarian are discussed. Included are the causes of map damage and deterioration, methods of detection and correction, and suggestions of further measures for optimum preservation. Useful guides on preservation and maintenance are cited. (7 references) (Author/NH)

This report examines the potential impact of optical media--videodiscs, compact audio discs, and optical disks, tapes, and cards--in library related applications. A detailed consideration of the technology includes discussion of the underlying principles, the various forms in which the technology is marketed, production methods and costs, and the…

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…

Intended for use by archivists, curators, and others responsible for the acquisition and preservation of documentary materials in photographic form, this publication describes the nature of photographic media and recommended conservation measures. It is noted that the major emphasis is on black-and-white photographic materials, with some…

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)

The Association of Research Libraries distributed a survey to its 119 member libraries to assess the use of state-of-the-art digital technologies as a preservation method. Libraries were asked to report detailed data on all projects designed specifically to: (1) enhance images of faded or brittle originals, (2) provide access to digital images…

Presents a form for evaluating storage and care practices for nonprint library materials (film, tape, maps, microfilms, original art, phonorecords, and photographs) in an active collection. Development of the form is described and a rationale for such a program, additional materials on preservation including slide/tape programs, and…

In the past decade, the amount and variety of information on developing and managing comprehensive preservation programs has grown tremendously. This highly selective list of books, reports, journal and newsletter articles, and other sources is intended primarily as an introduction to the increasingly rich literature for archivists, special…