Preservation Services
Related Links
Quick Links
Mission Statement
The University Libraries Preservation Program provides conservation, bindery preparation, shelf preparation, and preservation services for the University of Connecticut library collections.
The Program:
- Offers a broad range of preservation options for both newly acquired and existing materials that ensure the most effective treatments for standard collections formats as well as sound creative solutions for non-standard formats
- Provides state of the art conservation treatments on materials that are worn, damaged, or deteriorating
- Makes usability, readability, permanence (through use of chemically stable conservation materials), sturdiness, and adherence to national standards key treatment goals for library collections
- Develops physical treatments that serve to enhance user access to the Libraries collections
- Establishes environmental standards for library collections
- Prepares disaster response strategies for library collections
- Prepares library contracts for commercial preservation services (e.g. commercial library binding, microfilming, cleaning, mass deacidification) based on state of the art technology and national standards
- Provides communications to library staff and responds promptly to staff and patron queries
- Applies the latest technologies to track workflows, process materials, and gather statistical data
- Is persistent in its examination of preservation practices and assumptions; initiates change when it becomes clear that methods, products, or services can be improved
- Is rigorous in its encouragement of product development within the industries that serve the preservation community, and contributes to such efforts as opportunities arise
Workflow Priorities
This document reflects regular workflow and does not include special projects such as the Journal Relabeling Project, the Reference Transfer Project, exhibits preparation, etc.
Shelf Preparation
Priority 1 (one day turn-around)
- All reserve locations
- All reference locations
- All notifies and recalls
Priority 2 (usually one day turn-around)
- RCLs
- Discrete library locations
- General collections
- General materials from Conservation
- Materials that require relabeling
Bindery Preparation
Pre-shipment processingPriority 1
- All reserve locations
- All reference locations
- All notifies
- RCLs
- Patron theses
- Discrete library locations
- General collections
Priority 1
- RCLs
- All reserve locations
- All notifies and recalls
- All reference locations
- Patron theses
- Discreet library locations
- General collections
Conservation
Priority 1
- All reserve locations
- All notifies and recalls
- All reference locations
- Current journals
- RCLs
- Bound journals
All other materials are sorted by treatment category and are then conserved in the approximate order they are received within those categories. In general, routine minor treatments will be performed first, followed by intermediate treatments. Backlogs are most likely to occur with materials that require major treatment and a significant time commitment.
For general inquiries concering the Preservation Department and for inquiries pertaining to this site, contact the Preservation Webpage Manager.