Book Review: Practical Preservation and Conservation Strategies for Libraries

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of electronic resources (e-resources) in library collections and the increasing use of digitization as a preservation tool has altered the preservation landscape. Despite these changes, the need for libraries to plan their preservation and conservation workflows and processes continues. Baird’s Practical Preservation and Conservation Strategies for Libraries is intended as an overview of methods that can be used by small public and academic libraries where staff, funding, and time is at a premium. The book focuses on print materials, although limited attention is paid in the final two chapters to other types of materials. The book takes a holistic approach to the preservation and conservation cycle. Evaluation and assessment of preservation needs, development of preservation workflows, basic book repairs, disaster planning, and digital preservation are the topics covered in the book’s eleven chapters.