Massachusetts Libraries steward unique and locally significant collections representing the history of their local communities and residents.
These materials, whether physical or digital in form, require specialized handling and storage measures, additional safeguards for access, and ongoing stewardship by librarians, archivists, and curators with in-depth knowledge of environmental factors and use-related impacts. Library staff, interns, and volunteers spend time stabilizing and rehousing fragile materials, creating and describing digital surrogates, estimating shelf and online storage needs, and monitoring for mold and pests. They may also need to research and navigate rights, permissions, and other legal questions connected to preserving and making the collections publicly available.
MBLC is committed to supporting Massachusetts Libraries across this broad spectrum of preservation activities. The agency’s Preservation services include providing general and specialized preservation guidance and programs, supporting consultations and assessments, conducting training and information-sharing sessions, and making LSTA funds available to libraries to protect, enhance, and make accessible their local history, archival, decorative, and special collections. MBLC aligns its preservation-focused programs and activities with its mission to promote equitable access, advance innovation, and foster resilience in Massachusetts Libraries.
Free online resource from the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) providing an informative overview of an effective preservation program's core concepts, standards, and practices.
A guide to handling and storing books in order to prolong their life and prevent damage from the Library of Congress.
Online preservation resources for the United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); organized by material type/format, preservation method, program focus, and broader strategic information.
MBLC's Preservation in Massachusetts Libraries guide aims to be a useful, “at your fingertips” collection of preservation information, resources supporting good practice, introductions for further learning on a particular collections care topic, and a sampling of programs, organizations, service providers, and supply vendors - shared as examples, but not endorsements for any specific company or consultant.
If you have additional questions about the information, activities, equipment, opportunities, or other topics included in this guide, or more broadly in the library and cultural heritage preservation ecosystem, please contact Jessica Branco Colati, MBLC's Preservation Specialist.
