The preservation of printed music collections in libraries: a review of the literature

Abstract

A survey of the literature identifies unique challenges relating to preservation of music collections. Historically, preservation of printed music was largely neglected until the mid-19th century. There is evidence that Australian librarians still do not regard preservation of music collections as worthy of high priority. Music librarians encounter preservation problems identical with those of other collections: acidic paper, brittle books, adverse environmental conditions and problematic bindings. To these are added important differences, including international sources of paper, storage and handling, varied formats and sizes, music notation, reformatting methods and performance acceptability. Much of the more recent literature describes successful solutions to some of these problems, and Australian music librarians are urged to work together to raise consciousness of preservation issues.