Exploring a Framework for Comprehensive and Successful Preservation Management in Libraries

Caroline Pallone

EL

Krtalic, M., & Hasenay, D. (2012). Exploring a framework for comprehensive and successful preservation management in libraries. Journal of Documentation, 68(3), 353-377. doi:http://dx.doi.org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.1108/00220411211225584 

Summary

This article looks at one of the major issues plaguing library managers today, and that is the preservation of materials in a collection. The way materials are preserved is so much different today than it was just 20 years ago, and the authors, looking at not only the ways it is being done now, but also comparing it to how it used to be done. They also talk about all the complex aspects of managing the preservation of collection items. The authors state, "It is evident that preservation is a complex and comprehensive process that involves many different and seemingly contradictory issues. Several preservation issues arising from diverse forms of tangible and intangible heritage, different specificities of material properties of heritage, environmental changes, funding possibilities, legal documents, selection criteria, user needs, presentation possibilities, cultural and historical value and national and international contexts, etc., pose significant challenges to information institutions if they choose to safeguard the welfare of their collections" (2012). The authors then finish up their article by saying, "Different issues necessary for successful preservation management are brought together within these components, such as policies and strategies, financial issues, legal regulations, knowledge and competences, preservation methods and techniques, user needs, and lastly, the cultural and social impact of preservation" (2012). This means that there is not one singular way to preserve items in a library, but that it is instead a complex process.

Evaluation

I believe that this article is valuable because it discusses the complex process of preserving articles in great detail, which is something that all library managers need to study up on. It also breaks down the preservation process into easy to follow steps, but the steps are still very informative and will greatly benefit anyone in the field. It looks at several issues that other library articles of this type do not look at, and therefore I believe many will benefit from reading it.