LIBR 259
Preservation Management
Fall 2004

Sheryl Davis
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GREENSHEET

Course Overview:

This course will provide an introduction to the field of library and archival preservation. We will examine the causes of deterioration of library and archival materials and the wide variety of preservation responses available to address them including: preventive preservation measures, analog and digital reformatting, conservation treatment, in-house book repair, and commercial library binding. The course will provide a broad foundation in the historical, theoretical, managerial, analytical, and practical aspects of preservation.

Course Objectives:

Through a combination of readings, discussions, and written assignments, the student will:

• Understand the major reasons why library and archival materials deteriorate; both paper-based and other formats.
• Become acquainted with treatment and reformatting options for library and archival materials;
• Recognize and appreciate preservation as one of the central management functions in libraries and archives, and explore the relationship between preservation and other library functions;
• Identify and understand the elements of a comprehensive preservation plan;
• Become acquainted with disaster prevention and response strategies; and
• Become familiar with information sources on preservation available through publications and organizations, including technical standards, program development tools, scientific and administrative research reports, and advocacy literature.

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

The students will know and be able to identify the major theories and important principles as well as demonstrate current practice in the foundations of preservation of library and archival materials. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate and utilize research studies.

Assignments and Grading:

This class will utilize Blackboard as a venue for out-of-class discussion, quizzes, and assignments. Make sure you enroll in the Blackboard site at least a week before the first class.

Quizzes will be made available as online web forms for ONE WEEK. You must complete the quizzes within the specified week. Quizzes will be removed from the web at the close of each quiz period.

Assignments must be word processed in 12 pt. Times Roman and utilize a one-inch margin all around. Most assignments will be submitted electronically and should be emailed (as attachments) to the instructor. If you plan to utilize a word processing program other than Microsoft Word, please check with the instructor to discuss the file format.

Late assignments will not be accepted unless by prior consent of the instructor. If late assignments are deemed acceptable, 10 percent per week will be deducted from the grade.

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