When Preservation Moves Off Campus

Abstract

Preservation librarians face both practical and fundamental challenges when moving preservation operations from the main library to an off campus location. Practical issues include transporting materials and staff safely and securely between facilities, hiring and retaining student employees, and communicating effectively between geographically dispersed library units. Fundamental concerns include how to continue providing high-quality services and maintain productivity in the remote location. The author conducted a survey of Association of Research Libraries preservation librarians who are discussing a potential move, planning to move, or have moved previously and analyzed the responses. This paper reports on findings from the survey and effective practices identified both in the survey and during follow-up interviews.