Promoting Preservation Awareness in Libraries

No other book provides such a comprehensive approach to educating library customers and staff in the preservation of library materials. Over 35 case studies provide innovative programs and strategies for providing preservation education initiatives throughout the library. The various types of materials collected paired with the variety of patrons requires a full spectrum of approaches. Going on the assumption that much damage is caused by unknowing misuse, this professional reference gives academic, school, and public library staff as well as special collections staff, a solid approach for designing, implementing and evaluating formal and informal preservation educational programs.

As collections deteriorate and library budgets shrink, the longevity of collections becomes an increasingly important issue. To minimize harm to collections, librarians need to emphasize the importance of preservation and proper handling. This professional reference explains how to create, implement and evaluate formal and informal preservation education programs in school, public, academic, and special collections.

Chapters are written by contributors from a wide range of positions in librarianship and academia. Building on the assumption that most misuse is because of misunderstanding or lack of understanding, much attention is given to reaching all types of patrons and changing attitudes. Because preservation largely depends on the attitude of patrons, much attention is given to reaching all types of patrons. Informing adults to avoid misuse and teaching children to respect books and to handle them carefully are two different methods. Visual messages using posters, bookmarks, and signs to educate can help prevent damage. Library staff, on the other hand, benefit from training programs, which can effectively include tests and videos. Users of rare and archival materials can be informed through brochures, and one-on-one interaction with librarians. The volume includes over 35 illustrative case studies, and it concludes with an extensive bibliography and videography.

Author Biography

JEANNE M. DREWES is Head of Preservation at Johns Hopkins University’s Eisenhower Library. Formerly she was Assistant Preservation Librarian at Michigan State University. She received her M.L.S. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and was a Mellon Intern for Preservation Administration at the University of Michigan. She is a member of the American Library Association and is active in the Preservation and Reformatting Section including participating in preservation education programs. She has published on the topic of preservation.

JULIE A. PAGE is Preservation Librarian at the University of California/San Diego. She has established preservation education as an integral part of the Library’s staff and user education programs. She has cochaired preservation education programs for the American Library Association and is active in its Preservation and Reformatting Section. Topics of her publications include preservation education and disaster preparedness and recovery.