Preservation/Archives Resources 

There is now a plethora of library and archives preservation sites on the World Wide Web. Many of those contain a significant amount of information. Access to some of these sites is available below as well as to some related sites. If people are aware of other sites or have comments about these listings, please contact Gregor Trinkaus-Randall.

Preservation:

Archives:

Abbey Publications

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byorg/abbey/

Abbey Publications is the source of both the Alkaline Paper Advocate and The Abbey Newsletter. The former tracks and reports on developments in the production of alkaline paper. The latter addresses preservation issues relating to the preservation of the written word and other paper-related preservation issues.

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American Institute for Conservation

http://aic.stanford.edu/

This site provides access to a number of conservation areas covered by AIC including General Information, Conservation specialties, Caring for Your Treasures, Selecting a Conservator, and Disaster Recovery.

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AIC Conservation Specialties

http://aic.stanford.edu/conspec/

The AIC Conservation Specialties site provides access to the various specialty groups in AIC including Architecture, Book and Paper, Objects, Paintings, Photographic Materials, Textiles, and Wooden Artifacts. From here one can access each of these sites to obtain further information.

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ALA Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, Preservation and Reformatting Section

http://www.ala.org/ALCTSTemplate.cfm?Section=

This site provides access to a number of activities carried on by the members of this section relating to preservation and reformatting. It includes links to each of its subgroups's reports and activities.

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The AMIGOS Imaging and Preservation Service: Collections Care for Your Library and Archival Materials

http://www.amigos.org/?q=node/234

The AMIGOS Imaging and Preservation Service (APS) is a non-profit, grant-funded service which provides preservation information, disaster planning and recovery assistance, site surveys, support and training to librarians and archivists in the Southwestern U.S. This site provides information on those activities as well as more detailed general preservation information.

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California Preservation Clearinghouse

http://cpc.stanford.edu

California has developed a statewide preservation program that is centered in their state university system. The concept is that of distributed resources and informtion, rather than having all their information emanate from one source, e.g. a state library or archives.

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Canadian Conservation Institute

http://www.cci-icc-gc.ca

The Canadian Conservation Institute is the premier Canadian conservation and conservation research institution dealing with cultural heritage preservation. This site will provide you with information on how various artifacts and works of art are conserved, how conservators and scientists work together to develop new conservation techniques, and how the staff can assist individuals and organizations who are responsible for preserving heritage collections. The site also lists publications and products, provides access to their library catalog, lists available services, and also provides links to related sites.

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Commission on Preservation and Access

http://www.clir.org/pubs/cpanews/cpanews.html

The mission of the Commission on Preservation and Access is to foster, develop, and support collaboration among libraries and allied organizations to ensure the preservation of the published and documentary record in all formats, and to provide enduring access to scholarly information.

The Commission is supported through sponsorship of colleges, universities, associations, libraries, archives, publishers, and allied organizations. Projects are funded primarily by foundations. The Commission maintains a small staff. Initiatives are established by an elected governing board. Committees and task forces are developed to assist with issues and projects.

The Commission is now a subsection of the Council on Library and Information Resources. Its focus is on the preservation and digitization of historical materials and the subsequent preservation of the digitized files. This also includes the emphasis on "environmental controls that increase longevity [and] the microfilming of materials embrittled beyond use." Furthermore, with more and more information being created digitally, "finding ways to assure the safekeeping and accessibility of knowledge in this new format is among CLIR's highest priorities." The Commission's activities can be divided into five areas: The International Program, the Preservation Science Research Initiative, Communications and Publications, Committees, and support for Permanent Paper and the Brittle Books Program.

International Program

The Commission International Program "develops collaborative preservation and access ventures, bringing together institutions from around the globe" and "links preservation research and activities in the U.S. with similar work abroad...to disseminate knowledge of best preservation practices and promote a coordinated approach to preservation activity."

Preservation Science Research

This initiative "investigates key problem of prolonging the useful life of library and archival collections that can be addressed by scientific research. Initial concerns focused on paper-based collections, but there was a growing concern about other types of media used for documents that deal specifically with preservation research.

Communication & Publications

The Communication Program promotes the preservation and access agenda among diverse constituencies. The monthly newsletter describes both Commission-sponsored and other activities and often includes special features. Reports provide analytical and descriptive information to stimulate thought, discussion and collaborative action. Some reports are available on the World Wide Web.

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Conservation Online

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/

CoOL, a project of the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries, is a full text database of conservation information. The databases cover a wide spectrum of topics of interest to those involved with the conservation of library, archives and museum materials.

The content of the CoOL databases comes from a variety of sources, and we hope that all users will consider contributing some material to the project. As you use the server please pay attention to lacunae that you might be able to help fill. If this is your first time here, please read an important message about copyright. If you would like to contribute material to CoOL or suggest ways to improve it, please send a note to Walter Henry.

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Cornell University Preservation Department

http://www.library.cornell.edu/preservation/

The Cornell University Preservation Department provides services to the Cornell University libraries. This site provides information about that program and numerous photographs illustrations, descriptions of their policies, details about training opportunities, and information about their digital imaging program.

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Council on Library and Information Resources

http://www.clir.org

The Council on Library Resources and the Commission on Preservation & Access merged on July 1, 1997 to form the Council on Library and Information Resources. The Council has four major areas of interest: the Commission on Preservation & Access, Digital Libraries, the Economies of Information, and the Leadership of the Council. Each of these can be accessed through the Web site.

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Dartmouth College. A Simple Book Repair Manual

http://www.dartmouth.edu/%7Epreserve/repair/repairindex.htm

This is an excellent book repair manual with step-by-step instructions on how to deal with a number of basic book repair issues.

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Emory University Preservation Department

http://web.library.emory.edu/preservation/

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Harvard University Library Preservation

http://preserve.harvard.edu/

This site gives information about preservation activities at Harvard, disaster preparedness, Daguerreotypes at Harvard, Treasures at Risk, and the Harvard Book.

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Heritage Preservation

http://www.heritagepreservation.org/

Heritage Preservation works to ensure the preservation of America's collective heritage for present and future generations. Our programs and publications provide advice and guidance on the proper care and maintenance of historic documents, books and archives, works of art, photographs, architecture, monuments, anthropological artifacts, historic objects and family heirlooms, and natural science specimens. Heritage Preservation works with its members--the nation's leading museums, libraries and archives, historic preservation organizations and historical societies--to inform the public of the need to preserve our collective heritage.

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Library of Congress: Preservation

http://lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/

The mission of the Library of Congress's Preservation Directorate is to assure long-term, uninterrupted access to the intellectual content of the Library's collections. This web site presents information that they have gathered in this endeavor for the library and archival communities to access. Of particular interest are the links to Frequently Asked Questions, Preservation Programs, Preservation Research, and Other Resources.

The Emory University Preservation Department site provides information on the handling of book and non-print media collections. There is also a 15-minute video on book repair.

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Living Through Loans: Guidelines for Preserving ILL Materials

http://www.nelinet.net/oclc/res_share/ill/live_loan.htm

This site provides information on the considerations to consider when determining whether or not materials can be loaned and steps to take to preserve the materials when loaning them.

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Michigan State University. The Book Hospital

http://www.lib.msu.edu/apd/BookRepairTech.htm/

As with the Dartmouth College Book Repair Manual, the Book Hospital provides basic information about book repairs and the care and handling of materials.

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National Digital Library Federation

http://lcweb.loc.gov/loc/ndlf/ndlfhome.html

Fifteen of the nation's largest libraries and archives have agreed to cooperate on defining what must be done to bring together digital materials that will be made accessible to students, scholars, and citizens and that document the building and dynamics of the United States heritage and culture. This site provides information about the NDLF's membership, mission and goals, and committees. Furthermore, there is a listing of Federation Member Web Sites and Digital Library Projects as well as Other Resources on Digital Libraries.

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National Library and Archives of Canada. Bibliography of Standards and Selected References Related to Preservation in Libraries

http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/8/14/index-e.html

This bibliography is one of the most recent in the field. Although select, it appears to be quite comprehensive when examining the major publications in the field. It should be a good starting place for librarians and archivists in researching preservation. The entries are grouped by field.

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Northeast Document Conservation Center

http://www.nedcc.org/

The NEDCC was founded in 1973 to specialize in the conservation of paper and related materials. It is now the largest non-profit, regional conservation facility in the United States. NEDCC employes a staff of 40 including conservators, archivists, and librarians who bring to their work a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to providing the highest quality conservation services. Their World Wide Web site allows visitors to learn more about the Center, its services, brief answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about preservation and conservation, a calendar of NEDCC presented events, funding sources, and other Internet resources.

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Northwestern University Preservation Department

http://staffweb.library.northwestern.edu/preservation

The site provides not only a description of the department's activities but a number of sections on preservation activities including a section entitle "How Do I..." which has an amusing tutorial on the proper care and handling of library materials followed by a quiz based on the information provided.

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Practical Climate Control: A Selected, Annotated Bibliography

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byauth/kerschner/ccbiblio.html

Often people need to learn of the most recent information on climate control for the preservation of library and archival materials. This recent bibliography provides just that information. For other bibliographies on preservation subjects, please check Conservation Online (CoOL).

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Regional Alliance for Preservation

http://www.rap-arcc.org/index.htm

There are a number of regional preservation/conservation centers throughout the country. In 1997, they joined forces to form an informal alliance called RAP to publicize their activities and provide information to their members and other interested parties. This website gives information on each of the centers as well as on continuing education opportunities, publications, and additional preservation/conservation links.

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SOLINET Preservation Service

http://www.solinet.net/presvtn/preshome.htm

The mission of SOLINET's Preservation Service is to improve institutions' abilities to maintain long-term, cost-effective access to the information resources in both their traditional and networked collections.

  • LEAFLETS http://www.solinet.net/presvtn/leaf/leaflets.htm
  • This link goes directly to their leaflet site that gives you information about the preservation leaflets that they have produced including information on disaster planning and recovery, preservation planning, book repair, photographs, and miscellaneous publications.
  • PUBLICATIONS http://www.solinet.net/preservation/preservation_templ.cfm?doc_id=115
  • This link goes directly to their publications site that presents information on preservation publications that have been published by them, written either by their staff or by others under contract to them. A brief bibliographic citation is available as well as ordering information.

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University of California at San Diego Preservation Department

http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/preservation//

This is an excellent site that addresses a myriad of preservation issues. Not only does it describe the activities of the department but it is clearly designed with the practicing librarian in mind. Many of the sections either link to other sites around the country (e.g. Dartmouth College's Book Repair Manual) or to descriptive sections on how to do something specific in the preservation field.

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University of Illinois. Book Repair and Pamphlet Binding

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/preserve/procedures.html

This site provides step-by-step procedures for repairing books and for creating a pamphlet binding to protect pamphlets without damaging the materials through poor materials and/or procedures.

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Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC)

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/waac/about.html

WAAC is a non-profit membership organization for professional conservators practicing in western United States. This site provides information about the organization as well as access to its newsletters and other publications.

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Disaster Preparedness and Response

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/disasters/

A primer on Disaster Preparedness Management and Response: Paper-based Materials. A collection of reprints from a variety of sources.

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Extension Disaster Education Network

http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/eden/default.aspx

This is a collaborative multi-state effort by Extension Services across the country designed to provide access to provide Extension agents and educators with access to resources on disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation that will enhance their short- and long-term programming efforts

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Federal Emergency Management Agency

http://www.fema.gov

This site provides up-to-date information on disasters throughout the nation as well as general emergency news, National Weather Service Warnings, disaster assistance and mitigation, training, and other related information.

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Fire Safety Institute

http://www.middlebury.net/firesafe/

"The Fire Safety Institute is a not-for-profit information, research, and educational corporation that focused on innovative approaches to fire safety science and engineering."

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Harvard Library Disaster Information

http://preserve.harvard.edu/emergencies/

This site provides a plethora of information about disaster preparedness and recovery. Included is information on First Response, Salvaging Your collections, Local Suppliers and Service Providers, Creating an Individual Disaster Plan, Preparedness Activities, and a Bibliography.

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Hazards Literature Database of the Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/library

An on-line library database dealing with how society prepares for, responds to, recovers from, and mitigates natural disasters. An important resource for all persons involved in disaster management.

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Iowa Conservation And Preservation Consortium Flood Recovery Booklet

http://www.neirls.org/flood_recovery/flood_cover.html

A compilation of resources useful for individuals or institutions for the recovery of books, records, valuable heirlooms, photographs, moldy paper materials, paintings on canvas, blueprints, magnetic media, microfilm and motion picture film, textiles, wood, and inorganic materials

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Lower Hudson Conference

http://www.lowerhudsonconference.org/empart/

This site provides the reader with basic information on developbing a disaster preparedness and response plan. Although focused on the Lower Hudson Valley, much of the information provided is applicable to institutions in any location. There are good vendor and consultant lists.

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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA

http://www.nfpa.org

This site contains the latest information about the NFPA, its departments, publications, seminars, and educational programs. The mission of the NFPA is to reduce the burden of fore on the quality of life by advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research and education for fire and related safety issues.

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National Task Force On Emergency Response

http://www.heritagepreservation.org/programs/taskfer.htm

The National Task Force on Emergency Response is a partnership of 29 federal agencies, national service organizations, and private institutions. It has two major goals: 1.) safeguarding America's cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies and 2.) using its expertise to help the general public recover from disasters.

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Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder

http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/

This is a national and international clearinghouse for information on natural hazards and human adjustments to hazards and disasters. The center's prime goal is to increase communication among hazard disaster researchers and those individuals, agencies, and organizations that are actively working to reduce disaster damage and suffering.

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New York State Library

http://www.oce.nysed.gov/disaster_P/DisasterPreparednessFolder/DisasterPreparedness/index.html

Created after the September 11th disaster, this Website brings together the links for a wide variety of websites dealing with disasters in preparedness, response, and recovery. Although focused primarily on New York, many of the links are to sites that are applicable throughout.

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"Salvage Operations for Water Damaged Collections"

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/waac/wn/wn19/wn19-2/wn19-207.html

This document provides specific information on the salvage of a number of different types of media affected by water through a flood or other disaster. Produced in 1997 by Betty Walsh.

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"Salvage Operations for Water Damaged Collections: A Second Glance"

http://www.cdncouncilarchives.ca/presinfo.html

This document provides specific information on the salvage of a number of different types of media affected by water through a flood or other disaster in both textual and tabular form. This is a revision and expansion of the 1997 version noted above. This version is also by Betty Walsh.

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Western New York Disaster Preparedness And Recovery Manual for Libraries and Archives

http://freenet.buffalo.edu/~lrc/pub/disman.htm#introduction

This manual goes through the steps necessary to prepare an institutional disaster preparedness plan for a library or an archives. In each section there is a description of the necessary components. Librarians and archivists should find this to be a good starting point for developing their own plan.

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American Association for State and Local History

http://www.aaslh.org

The mission of the AASLH is "To promote and enhance an appreciation of the origins, development, and continuities of the North American experience." It serves individuals and institutions from local to national in scope including but not limited to historical societies, museums, historical associations, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. It provides information and training through publications, annual meetings, seminars, workshops, etc.

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Archives Association of British Columbia

http://aabc.bc.ca/aabc/toolkit.html

This site is an excellent introduction to the introductory concepts for archivists, librarians, museum curators, town clerks, and others with records responsibilities.


Canadian Heritage Information Network

http://www.dlib.org/dlib/september00/dunn/09dunn.html

This site focuses on the concept of collection level description from a museum perspective. Collection level description is generally not a concept that librarians and museum curators consider on a regular basis. Therefore, this is an important site for those beginning to work with archival materials.

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Getty Information Institute

http://www.schistory.org/getty/index.html&

This site provides a good description and introduction to archival organization and description, especially targeted and persons new to the field.

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Massachusetts Archives

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm

The Massachusetts Archives is responsible for preserving access to state government records of long term value. The archives works with the Records Management Unit and Records Conservation Board to identify, secure, and preserve permanently valuable records.

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Massachusetts Historical Records Advisory Board

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcaac/aacintro2.htm

The MHRAB is a unit within the Office of the Secretary of State and is affiliated with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHRPC), a granting agency of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This site is to provide information and guidance to the historical records community of Massachusetts, particularly regarding the use, creation, care, management, and preservation of historical records.

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National Archives and Records Administration

http://www.nara.gov/

This site provides information and access to a significant quantity of resources concerning the historical records of the three branches of government: executive (including the President), legislative, and judicial. Further information can be found specifically at the NARA Archival Information Locator (NAIL).

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National Association of Government Archivists and Records Managers

http://www.nagara.org/rmbulletins/bulletins_toc.htm

This site provides information in a concise manner using a servies of technical bulletins for those persons involved in setting up a records management program for their institution or town/city. Since neither archivists nor librarians are usually moving in this direction, this information is crucial when starting out.

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New England Archivists

http://newenglandarchivists.org/

This site provides information concerning the New England Archivists, the regional archival organization that represents and provides services to archivists and others interested in archival issues and the care and preservation of records in all types of repositories.

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The Society of American Archivists

http://www.archivists.org/

The Society of American Archivists serves the educational and informational needs of its members and provides leadership to help ensure the identification, preservation, and use of the nation's historical record. This site provides a wealth of information regarding archives for those interested in the historical record.

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Society of Rocky Mountain Archivists (formerly Colorado Preservation Alliance)

http://ahc.uwyo.edu/srma/preservation/

The Society of Rocky Mountain Archivists site addresses a number of preservation issues, but this section is particularly relevant to libraries and archives as it provides links to numerous other general and digital preservation sites under the Resources subheading.

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Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board

http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/libraryarchives/

This site provides a good description of the steps needed to develop a collection development policy for historical records. The Wisconsin State Archives and Historical Records Advisory Board have a long history of providing excellent education and information to archivists.

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Page last updated on 09/11/2007