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 content value 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. These guidelines are meant to aid each circulating collections employee, who works in our circulating branch libraries, to respect and reach toward this goal of universal education through preservation for our patrons as well as keeping themselves safe and healthy. Any questions, concerns, etc. can be answered by reaching out to the conservation/preservation team. Guidelines for special collection items within the circulating branch libraries and/or circulating branch libraries within our Smathers Library can be found in the Preservation Guidelines for Smathers Library and Special Collections Items.
This preservation guide is for anyone handling the physical collections of our circulating branches. 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 library functions within their respective buildings.
There are ten agents of deterioration that will be addressed in this guide. These are:
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