A Reading Guide to the Preservation of Library Collections

In the 1980's the preservation of library collections again became a subject of interest and activity after some decades of neglect. The subsequent growth in preservation literature has been notable. In a detailed overview, this work traces the revival of preservation awareness within the information profession. There follows an anotated guide to the material which experts in the field have found to be useful. The contributors introduce each subject area with a short essay placing the reference in context. Subject areas include preservation policies, surveying collections, storage and environment, setting up a workshop, conservation substitution, disaster planning, security of collections, exhibitions, loans and new technology. The National Preservation Office was established by the British Library in 1984, as a direct response to the Radcliffe Report, to provide a national focus for the preservation of library collections. In 1988 its role was extended to include the security of collections. The NPO aims to raise awareness and promote good practices in all aspects of preservation security of library collections. The author has worked for the NPO since 1988.