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Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Resource Guide Collection

Preservation in Massachusetts Libraries: The 2 Preservation Priorities

Subscribe and connect with Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Preservation Specialist Jessica Branco Colati and colleagues around the Commonwealth that work to advance the protection of cultural collections.

Preservation Definition

preservation

n.

the professional discipline of protecting materials by minimizing chemical and physical deterioration and damage to minimize the loss of information and to extend the life of cultural property

the act of keeping from harm, injury, decay, or destruction, especially through noninvasive treatment

v., preserve

to keep for some period of time; to set aside for future use

to take action to prevent deterioration or loss

[Source: Dictionary of Archival Terminology]

The interactive chart below provides a general approach to planning preservation projects, split according to their basic function.

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