Surveying collections: the importance of condition assessment for preservation management

Abstract

Discusses the various types of surveys than are carried out by libraries as part of their preservation and conservation exercises: ranging from checking items on issue or return to reports on single items made as part of a large scale formal condition survey. Considers the needs and significance of preserva tion surveys and some of the more important focuses of such surveys such as acid paper. Comments on the apparent dearth of surveys in UK libraries as reflected in the literature and considers some of the possible reasons for this state of affairs. A review of the literature of preservation leads to the con clusion that there may be more activity in this area, in UK libraries, than was originally believed to be the case. Concludes with a note on an integrated approach to library collection preservation surveys which presents the Oxford University Library as a good local example to which other libraries could aspire. Suggests that, since even sample surveys are expensive, a planned national sample survey, with representative regional and sectoral coverage, could be implemented to minimize costs and maximize usefulness.