LAR5410

Preserving the memory

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First or second semester
* Clayton and distance

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the physical and environmental causes of deterioration of library and archival media; understand and be able to develop strategies for preventative and remedial action at a collection level; understand the impact of technologies on the preservation of library and archival material; understand and articulate migration strategies for digital material; identify and evaluate success factors in preservation strategies and programmes and develop preservation plans.

Synopsis Students will be introduced to current problems of and practice in preserving library and archival materials - from paper through to the digital impulse. Causes of deterioration of library and archival materials due to factors inherent in the materials, to the environment in which they are stored, and to the manner in which they are handled, will be examined. The emphasis is on preservation and the implication for library and archival administration, rather than the complex technical processes necessary to conserve such materials. Special consideration will be given to the electronic artefact and migration strategies to preserve electronic data. Visits will be made to appropriate sites, and there will be demonstrations illustrating some basic techniques.

Assessment Essay: 50%
* Project-based assignments: 50%

Recommended texts

Harvey R Preservation in Australian and New Zealand libraries 2nd edn, Centre for Information Studies, 1993