The goal of conservation and preservation is to ensure that our collections are available and accessible to researchers now and in the future. A preservation mindset is required of every employee in the libraries to 1) ensure that we respect those of the past who created these items by maintaining their unique values as best as possible, 2) make sure these items are available for the present learning of our patrons, and 3) provide continuing education to our future researchers in perpetuity through preservation of these items. These guidelines are meant to aid each employee handling special collection items, or who works in the Smathers Library Building, ILF, and/or ALF, to respect and reach for this goal of universal education through preservation for our patrons as well as keep themselves safe and healthy. Any questions, concerns, etc. can be answered by reaching out to the conservation/preservation team. Guidelines for circulating branch libraries can be found in the Preservation Guidelines for Circulating Branch Libraries.
This preservation guide is for anyone handling the physical collections of any of our Special, non-circulating collections as well as those who work in the Smathers Library Building--whether they work with circulating collections or SASC items. This guide also includes those working at ALF, ILF, and ILF2 since these items are considered special collection items and their buildings are also more susceptible to problems. While some sections might not apply, having a cursory knowledge of how the physical items should be treated will help every employee in creating a safe, preservation environment in their library. These policies and guidelines are set to ethical standards from the American Institute of Conservation; therefore, the standard is high. The realism of the day to day work may seem at odds on occasion. When in doubt, contact preservation and conservation--they will help you work out any preservation situation reasonably and with an understanding of how each employee functions within their respective buildings.
There are ten agents of deterioration that will be addressed in this guide. These are:
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