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Library Preservation and Conservation Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing preservation and conservation practices in educational libraries to ensure the long-term protection and accessibility of both physical and digital collections.

Library Preservation and Conservation Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Preserving and conserving library collections is crucial for maintaining the intellectual and cultural heritage within educational institutions. This comprehensive Library Preservation and Conservation Audit Checklist is designed to help librarians, archivists, and conservation specialists evaluate and improve their preservation practices. By addressing key areas such as environmental control, disaster preparedness, digital preservation, conservation treatments, and staff training, this checklist ensures that libraries can effectively protect and extend the lifespan of their valuable collections, both physical and digital.

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Industry

Education

Standard

American National Standards Institute/National Information Standards Organization (ANSI/NISO) Z39.79-2001 Environmental Conditions for Exhibiting Library and Archival Materials

Workspaces

Libraries

Occupations

Librarians
Archivists
Conservators
Preservation Specialists
Digital Preservation Managers

Preservation Practices Assessment

(0 / 4)

1
Are conservation treatments regularly performed on rare books and archival materials?

Indicate whether regular conservation treatments are performed.

To ensure that valuable materials are preserved and maintained.
2
What percentage of the library's digital materials are backed up according to the digital preservation policy?

Enter the percentage value.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the digital preservation practices.
Min: 0
Target: 100
Max: 100
3
Is there a documented disaster preparedness and recovery plan for the library's collections?

Please provide details of the disaster preparedness plan.

To confirm that the library has measures in place to protect collections in case of disasters.
4
Are environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light) within the recommended standards for preserving library materials?

Select the compliance status.

To ensure that library materials are stored and displayed under optimal conditions to prevent deterioration.
5
How many training sessions on handling rare books are conducted annually?

Enter the number of training sessions.

To ensure that staff are trained in proper handling techniques to prevent damage.
Min: 0
Target: 2
6
When was the last environmental audit conducted for the library?

Select the date of the last audit.

To track the frequency of environmental assessments and ensure compliance with preservation standards.
7
Is there a comprehensive document detailing best practices for preservation and conservation?

Please summarize the preservation best practices documented.

To ensure that staff have access to guidelines for maintaining library materials.
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8
What is the overall condition rating of the library's collections?

Select the condition rating.

To assess the physical state of the collections and identify any urgent preservation needs.
9
What feedback has been received from users regarding the care of archival materials?

Please provide any relevant user feedback.

To gather insights on user perceptions and identify areas for improvement.
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10
What is the average number of preservation checks performed on archival materials each month?

Enter the average number of checks.

To assess the frequency of preservation evaluations for maintaining material condition.
Min: 0
Target: 5
11
Is there an inventory management system in place for tracking archival materials?

Indicate whether an inventory management system exists.

To confirm that an effective system is utilized for maintaining an accurate record of collections.
12
Are archival materials accessible to researchers and the public?

Select the accessibility status.

To evaluate the availability of collections for research and public engagement.
13
What percentage of the library's annual budget is allocated for preservation activities?

Enter the percentage allocated for preservation.

To assess financial commitment to preservation efforts and evaluate if it meets necessary standards.
Min: 0
Target: 10
Max: 100
14
When was the last training session on preservation practices held for staff?

Select the date of the last training session.

To track the frequency of training and ensure staff are updated on best practices.
15
Is there a record of all conservation treatments performed on collections?

Please describe the documentation process.

To ensure that there is proper documentation for all conservation efforts, facilitating tracking and evaluation.
16
How effective are the current preservation strategies for the library's collections?

Select the effectiveness rating.

To evaluate the success of existing strategies in protecting and conserving materials.
17
How many hours of training on conservation practices do staff receive annually?

Enter the total hours of training received.

To assess the investment in staff training related to preservation and conservation.
Min: 0
Target: 10
18
What challenges have been encountered in the preservation of collections?

Please describe any challenges faced.

To identify obstacles affecting preservation practices for future improvements.
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19
Are appropriate preservation supplies used for storing materials?

Indicate whether preservation supplies are used.

To confirm that materials are housed in suitable conditions to prevent damage.
20
How often are condition assessments of the library's collections conducted?

Select the frequency of condition assessments.

To ensure regular monitoring of collection condition to prevent deterioration.

FAQs

It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive audit annually, with ongoing monitoring of environmental conditions and regular assessments of high-risk or valuable materials throughout the year.

Key environmental factors include temperature, relative humidity, light exposure, air quality, and pest control. These factors should be consistently monitored and regulated to prevent damage to collections.

Libraries can preserve digital collections through regular backups, file format migration, metadata management, use of preservation-friendly file formats, implementation of digital preservation systems, and adherence to digital preservation standards and best practices.

A disaster preparedness plan should include risk assessment, prevention measures, emergency response procedures, salvage priorities, staff training, contact information for emergency services and conservation specialists, and post-disaster recovery strategies.

Libraries can balance access and preservation by implementing handling guidelines, creating digital surrogates for fragile items, using preservation-quality storage materials, providing supervised access to rare materials, and educating users on proper handling techniques.

Benefits

Extends the lifespan of valuable library materials

Improves disaster preparedness and response capabilities

Enhances the preservation of digital collections and born-digital materials

Ensures proper handling and storage of rare and fragile items

Promotes best practices in conservation treatments and techniques