Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials

Nicole M. Gaston (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand)

The Electronic Library

ISSN: 0264-0473

Article publication date: 5 April 2013

189

Citation

Gaston, N.M. (2013), "Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials", The Electronic Library, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 259-260. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640471311312465

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Libraries and archives throughout the world are increasingly faced with challenges related to the preservation of historical documents and related materials. Without adequate preservation measures in place, much of this irreplaceable content may be lost to future generations. Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials is a comprehensive guide to meeting such challenges effectively and efficiently, and successfully preserving unique content of significant historical value.

In this volume the editors have assembled a comprehensive collection of chapters related to realistic, practical topics relevant to anyone working in a public library or archive housing historical documents. Each chapter provides a detailed look at one specific aspect of preservation, type of material, or geographical setting. The collection as a whole provides a comprehensive and practical manual for those working with materials at risk of being lost.

The individual authors provide excellent advice that is both realistic and practical. The suggestions and examples provided take into account real world issues such as limited budgets, and covers many topics not discussed in scholarly literature or taught in MLIS programmes. The guidance offered is the result of numerous years experience from practitioners working in the field of preservation and well supported by specific examples.

The approach to preservation taken by the authors is one with an overall emphasis on basic conservation techniques that help prevent or mitigate deterioration of vulnerable materials. The editors have selected authors who take a balanced approach to preservation, rather than relying solely on digital reformatting as a preservation strategy. This balance ensures that both the integrity of and access to the information contained within these valuable resources are maintained for the foreseeable future. Everyday concerns such as collection development, gift policy and advisory boards are addressed, and the authors also provide specific examples of deed of gift agreements and interview agreements that may be used by an archival institution. Issues such as appraisal, copyright and other pertinent concerns are explored and realistic solutions provided. A number of detailed case studies are provided to help elucidate examples of preservation activities. The editors have also included valuable advice on grant writing and funding for preservation of historical materials.

While this book has been written with an intended audience of information professionals working in public libraries, archives and similar institutions, the advice and guidance it provides would be equally useful to individual collectors of historical documents and non‐professional archivists managing collections of vulnerable materials.

Overall this is a comprehensive and practical guide that provides extensive valuable guidance on handling historical materials.

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