Preservation Strategies for Geoscience Literature: New Technologies for an Old Literature

Abstract

In this article we describe the complex nature and history of the literature of the geosciences. We evaluate preservation technologies applicable to the formats found in the literature, such as oversize, color, and folded maps and plates. Technologies profiled include deacidification, encapsulation, storage options, and facsimile creation including xerographic, photographic, film, and digital reproduction. We present applications of the technologies and discuss suggestions for developing preservation priorities for the literature.