Library Preservation Research Articles

Critical Paradigm Approach in Preservation and Conservation Studies: An Initial Note

Abstract This article discusses the application of a critical paradigm approach, including activism, in studies of preservation and conservation in libraries, information institutions, and local communities. Based on a literature review, it explores a variety of writing and research on the preservation and conservation of objects, focusing on social and humanities approaches and critical analysis. Different approaches in preservation and conservation in libraries and other information institutions beyond traditional practices will be discussed and activism in the context of preservation and conservation will be examined. We hope that this article will encourage research on preservation and conservation that involves critical explanations and in-depth investigations, that it will provide space for critical thinking which moves towards a constructivist paradigm and that it will generate knowledge about activism within a conservation framework. This paper is not intended to challenge researchers or scholars who have followed a more positivistic approach in their studies of preservation and conservation, but rather as a reflection to provide space to engage in critical thinking and alternative approaches.

Preservation of theses and dissertations in the era of digitization: a case study of selected universities in Oyo state, Nigeria

PurposeDigital preservation of theses and dissertations (TDs) is crucial for the archiving (long-term preservation) of intellectual content of undergraduate and postgraduate students in universities. This paper aims to investigate the digitization of TDs in three selected academic libraries in Oyo State, south-west Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey research design was used for this study. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The study comprised 78 professionals and paraprofessional librarians in the three selected university libraries in Oyo State.FindingsThe study revealed that digital preservation of TDs in university libraries is at the developmental stage. Also, the study revealed that most participants strongly agreed that the main purpose for embarking on the digital preservation of TDs was to influence the web ranking of the institutions. Web archiving was the widely adopted method of digital preservation in university libraries. Poor information and communication technology infrastructure, absence of policy and poor funding were identified as major challenges militating against the effective digital preservation of theses in the libraries. Hence, it was recommended that the management of university libraries should be more committed to providing substantial funds to meet the financial obligation for digital preservation initiatives.Originality/valueThe study provides insight into a case study of digitization of theses and dissertation i academic libraries in three selected universities to serve as a basis for further research.

The modern methods of data preservation in libraries. The key aspects and solutions

The modern methods of data preservation in libraries. The key aspects and solutions

Microbial Assessment in A Rare Norwegian Book Collection: A One Health Approach to Cultural Heritage.

Microbial contamination poses a threat to both the preservation of library and archival collections and the health of staff and users. This study investigated the microbial communities and potential health risks associated with the UNESCO-classified Norwegian Sea Trade Archive (NST Archive) collection exhibiting visible microbial colonization and staff health concerns. Dust samples from book surfaces and the storage environment were analysed using culturing methods, qPCR, Next Generation Sequencing, and mycotoxin, cytotoxicity, and azole resistance assays. Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., and Cladosporium sp. were the most common fungi identified, with some potentially toxic species like Stachybotrys sp., Toxicladosporium sp., and Aspergillus section Fumigati. Fungal resistance to azoles was not detected. Only one mycotoxin, sterigmatocystin, was found in a heavily contaminated book. Dust extracts from books exhibited moderate to high cytotoxicity on human lung cells, suggesting a potential respiratory risk. The collection had higher contamination levels compared to the storage environment, likely due to improved storage conditions. Even though overall low contamination levels were obtained, these might be underestimated due to the presence of salt (from cod preservation) that could have interfered with the analyses. This study underlines the importance of monitoring microbial communities and implementing proper storage measures to safeguard cultural heritage and staff well-being.

Digital curation and long-term digital preservation in libraries

For over twenty years public institutions and foundations committed in cultural heritage curation and preservation worked up methodologies, strategies and techniques for long-term digital preservation of digital resources. Thanks to a relevant number of initiatives and services carried on by international institutions and specialized agencies, public and private libraries reached a high level of awareness in this field which requires continuous adaptation due to the constant evolution of publishing industry and the rapid emergence of Open Science. After a quick review of digital preservation milestones, this article looks at some emerging trends and issues which characterize the constant transformation of digital preservation landscape. Dynamic generated digital contents and Open Science to fulfil findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse (FAIR) of digital assets are engaging new challenges for existing digital preservation services. Digital curation and digital preservation are deeply merged and proceed in parallel to assure long-term usage of digital resources and data. How to select and deploy digital preservation platforms is another complex area where Cloud services can offer the opportunity to reduce the costs of technical infrastructures maintenance and management. Policy and decision making institutional levels need more awareness to draw up digital preservation strategies and to activate services to assure digital contents and data long-term access and reuse. Finally the paper suggests to promote “digital preservation by design” as a new base rule to be applied since the conception of every project and initiative in the cultural heritage, scientific and academic contexts.

Formation and use of audiovisual documents: Directions and forms

The purpose of the article is to investigate the directions and forms of the use of audiovisual documents in the archives of Ukraine. The methodological basis of the article was the following methods: abstract-logical, analysis, source research, classification, cognitive, synthesis, generalisation. Such approaches of scientific knowledge as dialectical objectivity and structural-functional are applied. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the presentation of the peculiarities of the functioning of audiovisual documents in Ukrainian archives. The following areas of use of audiovisual documents are distinguished: informative, educational, cultural and educational, scientific. The following forms of engagement of archival audiovisual documents are presented: organisation of online exhibitions, preparation of radio and television broadcasts, creation of an audiovisual product for presentation on the Internet. Exhibition work as a form of using archival audiovisual documents has its own characteristics – exhibiting, for example, photo documents in originals or copies. The proposed material enriches the theory of modern archival science about the changing role of the archives of Ukraine, which have accumulated a significant fund of film, audio, photo, and video recordings. Conclusions. Audiovisual documents as carriers of film, photophone, and video information characterise the image and sound that determine the specifics of living in the actual environment of use or potentially such a possible one prolonged in time, that is, their preservation in collections, archive funds, libraries, museums, and other institutions. Two important directions in the activity of audiovisual archives of Ukraine were identified – preservation of documents and providing access to them to a wide range of users. Work on media projects involves the close cooperation of archives and intermediaries (project developers) in the use of information resources of audiovisual documents: choosing a topic, developing a script, preparing textual support, selecting and copying documents, but the main analytical and synthetic work remains with archivists

Seeking smut: collaborations between researchers, librarians, and interlibrary loans in the study of sexuality and desire

ABSTRACT Pornographic magazines are an important cultural and academic resource, but it can be challenging for both scholars and the librarians who support their work to find and access pornographic magazines for research purposes. Here we provide an in-depth examination of the value of pornographic magazines as a research resource, along with an overview of the history of their collection, preservation, and use in libraries and archives. We explore the issues researchers and librarians must contend with when trying to find and access pornographic magazines to use as source material, with attention paid to the unique challenges in obtaining them through interlibrary loan.

Digital Preservation and Conservation of Library Collections in the Digital Age: Issues and Challenges

The concept of digital preservation is explored in this article, delving into the challenges and best practices involved in safeguarding and conserving digital materials within library settings. It explores the importance of preserving digital collections in order to ensure their availability for future generations and the various technologies and tools used to preserve and conserve digital materials. It also highlights the role of libraries in preserving digital cultural heritage and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in digital preservation and conservation. The article concludes by emphasizing the constant evolution of the field and the need for libraries to stay adaptable to new technologies and challenges. Overall, the article is useful for librarians, library professionals, and researchers to understand the challenges and best practices of digital preservation and conservation in libraries.

Preservation and Conservation Initiatives of Libraries in Sri Lanka: A Review of Literature

Libraries are institutions that provide access to a comprehensive collection of information and resources for educational, research, and recreational purposes. They serve as repositories of knowledge and offer numerous services to their communities. In this process, libraries play a paramount role in preserving and conserving library materials for future generations. The objectives of this paper were to investigate the significant Preservation and Conservation (PAC) initiatives of library materials from the ancient periods (3rd Century BC to 5th Century AD), the colonial period (1505 to 1948), and the post-independence period (1948 to date), to identify the gaps related to the current practices of PAC in Sri Lanka and to identify the issues related to PAC in Sri Lanka. This study focused on a qualitative research method. Relevant literature was found through secondary sources such as books, journal articles, conference papers, organizational reports and websites. The Department of National Museums (DNM), Department of National Archives (DNA) and National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) and Sri Lankan University Libraries (ULs), were purposively selected. The secondary resources were gathered from online and offline resources based on subject-related keywords. The published year was not considered during the process, and priority was given to Sri Lankan and foreign-authored publications on preservation and conservation of library materials in Sri Lanka. Literature was analyzed based on above mentioned three time frames selected for the study. The study identified growing trends in preservation and conservation practices from ancient to post-independence periods. Even though some evidence goes back to King Vijaya’s period (483 BC), official writing was started in 103–77 BC. Some writing materials, such as inscriptions, palm leaves, and golden plates, were used during this period. And they were preserved for future purposes. Later, in the colonial period, the Portuguese, Dutch and British developed writing materials and established positions such as Record keepers and Archivists. They introduced ‘paper’ in this period. Then, in the post-independence period, the DNM, DNA, NLDSB and ULs were identified as pioneering organizations that led the task of preserving. It was identified gaps between the literatures and existing literature only identified palm leaves as a main library material to be conserved and preserved. The main issues derived from the analysis were a lack of financial allocations, policies, laws and regulations, training, and research related to the field. The study pointed out the need for a separate preservation and conservation unit to handle the preservation activities in each library while establishing a distinct institute for Research and Development and to provide necessary training required to maintain the activities of preservation and conservation of library materials in the country.

Preserving cultural heritage: digital preservation in small community libraries

PurposeThe purpose of the paper was to outline theDesign/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the review of relevant literature.FindingsThe study provides a broader overview of the role community libraries (CLs) can play in extending their role to a more vibrant perspective.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first of its kind that provides an overview regarding extension of the role of CLs towards digital preservation.

Digital Preservation in Libraries: Preparing for a Sustainable Future. By Jeremy Mynetti and Jessalyn Zoom. [Review

With the advent of digital technologies, long-term preservation of library holdings has challenged information professionals for the better part of three decades, if not longer. Much has been written on the topic of digital preservation, and this book reflects the perspectives of libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs). While not specifically a “how-to” manual on digital preservation, those seeking a useful overview will find a balanced selection of writings exploring the topic as practiced primarily in the United States, other English-speaking countries, and Europe since the 1990s. Organized into six sections containing a total of 18 chapters, the writings naturally build upon each other in discussing key developments in best practices, workflows, and institutional programs.

Exploring Renewable Energy Facility and Green Building Practices for Improved Archives Preservation in Public Libraries in Rivers State

This study explored renewable energy facility and green building practices for improved archives preservation in public libraries in Rivers state. Two objectives, composed of research questions and hypotheses, were the basis for this study. A descriptive survey design was used for the study, with a target population of 514 library staff from both Rivers State Library Board (RSLB) and Jubilee Library Port Harcourt (JLP). With the help of Taro Yamane's sample size determination formula, 399 sample members were chosen using both stratified and random sampling techniques (227 staff from RSLB and 172 from JLP). The data collection instrument used was a self-made questionnaire titled ‘Renewable Energy and Green Building for Public Library Archives Preservation’; its face- and content-validity was approved by three experts. Cronbach Alpha reliability estimation yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.78 for this instrument. Mean and Standard Deviation were employed to answer the research questions, while z-test was used to conduct the inferential statistics. The findings revealed that Rivers state libraries can preserve archives with renewable energy and green building practices, such as solar power, passive ventilation, native landscaping, water-efficient fixtures and regulated humidity. Based on the findings, it can be concluded and recommended that incorporating renewable energy into green building practices can significantly preserve archives in public libraries. More so, public libraries in Rivers state should collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, batteries, wind turbines) to improve archives preservation.

Library Network Security Measures As Determinants of Archives Preservation in Public Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study examined available library network security measures as determinants of archives preservation in public libraries in Rivers state. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population of the study comprised 514 library staff drawn from Rivers State library board and staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. The sample size for this study was 399 library staff comprising 227 staff from Rivers state library board and 172 library staff from Jubilee library Port Harcourt. An instrument titled library network security measures for archives preservation questionnaire was used for data collection. Face validity of the instrument was ensured by three experts. The instrument consists of 10 items of 2 sections. The instrument yielded reliability coefficients of 0.79 with the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The findings indicated that, among other things, encryption technologies such as firewall protection and secure logins are part of the library’s network security measures that are employed to preserve archives in public libraries in Rivers state, Nigeria. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that public libraries in Rivers state are not lacking security features that would help preserve archives via a networked security system. However, the security measures were not effectively employed because staff members’ security training was not sufficiently available. As a result, it was recommended that more training in security should be provided to staff in all of the public libraries in Rivers state.

Information Resources Preservation in Academic Libraries: Challenges and Strategies

Natural disasters, human, chemical, biological and environmental factors were responsible for deterioration of information resources in the university libraries. Photocopying, re-binding, fumigation, microfilming, lamination, air conditioning and digitization techniques were adopted for preservation of information resources and books were mostly borrowed and consulted in the libraries in developing world. Based on literature, the study recommended that management of the universities should acquire a variety of information resources which should not be limited to books, serials, reference sources but to include e-resources with preservation consciousness. Thus, preservation of deteriorating information resources in libraries has become a global phenomenon to which academic libraries must aggressively respond if their mission of providing information needs to their patrons is to be achieved in this era of dwindling budgetary allocation to libraries couple with the present economic recession. It can therefore be said that the aim of information resources preservation programs is to maintain and preserve information materials according to their use and their significance. Thus, preservation of information resources is an important aspect of library and information management

Challenges of preservation in digital libraries

Challenges of preservation in digital libraries

Adoption of preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Nigeria

Adoption of preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Nigeria

Academic Libraries’ Sustainable Preservation and Conservation Practices

Abstract Studies on climate change and sustainability have been gaining interest within the global preservation and conservation communities. However, studies related to sustainability in library preservation and conservation, especially in academic libraries, are still limited. This study aims to determine current practices of sustainable library preservation and conservation in academic libraries. The findings of this study will serve as a starting point to obtaining a comprehensive understanding of how academic libraries are implementing climate change–responsible preservation and conservation programs. This study applies quantitative and descriptive approaches to collect data. A questionnaire was distributed to the top 200 universities in the Universitas Indonesia (UI) GreenMetric World University Rankings 2021. The results show that current practices of sustainable library preservation and conservation implemented at the majority of academic libraries relate to sustainable energy use. Although some areas still need to be developed (e.g., policy and regulation toward sustainable library preservation and conservation practices, alternative eco-friendly preservation and conservation materials, and waste management practices), the fact that academic libraries have implemented sustainable practices in preservation and conservation is noted as a positive finding, since it represents success in universities’ efforts to address the climate change issue.

Scientific Journals on Library Science, Bibliography Science and Book Studies: History, Realities, Prospects

The article presents the presentations of the participants of the round table “Scientific Journals on Library Science, Bibliography Science and Book Studies: History, Realities, Prospects (to the 70th anniversary of the journal “Bibliotekovedenie” (Library Science)”, which took place on April 19, 2022 within the framework of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Rumyantsev Readings — 2022”. The paper reflects the place and role of the professional scientific journals in the development of communications that contribute to the preservation of libraries as cultural heritage institutions and form the human capital and cultural potential of all generations of Russian citizens.The journal “Library Science”, established in 1952, became the nationwide scientific periodical of the library sector. Participants described in their speeches the characteristics of the publication activity of some Russian journals, professional periodicals of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the international scientific journal “Libri”. The authors highlighted the peculiarities of the creation of periodicals of the designated subject, their functioning, the management models used, the diversity of elements of publication policy and design: regional differences, typological characteristics of the founders, departmental affiliation, cultural traditions, the uniqueness of the historical conditions of creation, etc.The discussion resulted in unanimous recognition of the significant role of professional scientific periodicals in supporting the scientific infrastructure of libraries and providing methodological support of the sector, including research practices, as well as atmosphere of creativity and creative competencies. In the future, the journals are considered as points of growth of professional knowledge, interdisciplinary thinking and cultural communications, activators of the socio-cultural space.

Preservation and digitization in modern and heritage libraries of Jammu Province: an analytical study

Twenty-two heritage and modern libraries in the Jammu province of Jammu & Kashmir were studied to understand the digitization status and types of services offered to users. Much of the data were collected from the respective institutes/library websites wherever these were available. For libraries that did not have websites or where the websites were not updated, the librarians of the institutes were interviewed to gather data. The findings show that most of these libraries maintain a unique collection of manuscripts and rare documents of historical importance that need to be preserved for future generations. A few of the libraries have initiated digitization projects to preserve the rare collection of documents. We recommend that the information scientists in Jammu province should continuously make efforts to take up the process of digitization in libraries to serve their users in an effective manner and preserve the knowledge for future generations.

Through the Lens of Instagram: Library Preservation and Conservation Issues

Abstract The popularity of social media platforms in the library and information science field has resulted in a significant number of studies exploring their various aspects and applications. Despite this, research on social media’s relevance to library preservation and conservation issues is still limited. This study uses a descriptive statistical approach to analyse Instagram content (posts) related to library preservation and conservation issues. This research aims to propose a classification scheme for this content and to identify which categories are most frequently used. It is essential to determine how academic libraries are using Instagram to disseminate this information to the public, and this study aims to increase understanding of this area and to assist in raising preservation awareness among scholars. The results of this study show that libraries’ social media accounts have been portraying library preservation activities in positive and interesting ways on Instagram, though the subject is mentioned less frequently than other topics.