Bulletin Description: An introduction to the preservation of library and archival materials using a comprehensive approach that includes theoretical, technical, and practical aspects of preservation. It covers the historical development of preservation in libraries and archives, including concepts of permanence and durability, ideas that support preservation of cultural material and preservation methods such as conservation treatments, preservation microfilming, digitization, and other types of reformatting. Students also examine holdings maintenance and re-housing techniques, preservation selection, conditions and needs of assessment surveys, handling and storage techniques, environmental controls and disaster planning and salvage methods.
Course Goals: To understand how objects deteriorate, and how preservation programs work within institutions to accomplish selection for preservation, collection care, disaster preparedness and recovery, and environmental control to prevent deterioration.
Student Learning Outcomes: Through successful completion of the course, students
Demonstrate aware of the major trends in the development of library preservation
Are able to identify the types of objects found in library and archives collections; begin to understand how identifications of materials are made; are conversant with important factors in the deterioration of collection objects
Demonstrate familiarity with basic goals, techniques and limitations of conservation treatment
Apply the principles of conservation ethics to preservation decision making
Understand the uses and implementation of reformatting technology and the concepts underlying digitization and preservation of digital resources
Coursework
Artifact Assignment
Quizzes (2)
Environment Assignment
Preservation Planning Project
Group Presentation on Preservation Planning Project