Preservation and Conspectus

In recent years there has been a growing acceptance of the need for
library preservation management strategies to be defined and
addressed as an integral part of collection management as a whole,
rather that as a separate issue.  With the spread of electronic
publishing it is expected that this trend will be accelerated even
further.

In response to this issue the Distributed National Collection
Office, in consultation with the National Preservation Office, and
the Preservation Services Section of the National Library, has
prepared a model for the recording of preservation and conservation
information in the Conspectus.  The availability of a draft model
was announced on the discussion list, dnc-l, earlier this year, as
well as being distributed to key groups and Conspectus users
throughout Australia for comment. Revision of the model was based on
comments from a number of Conspectus users.

The aim of the model is to provide information on a standardised
means of recording national, regional and local preservation and
conservation activity in the Australian Conspectus, particularly in
relation to electronic resources. Background information on the
Australian Conspectus is provided, together with the benefits of
using an agreed system for allocating preservation priorities and
recording preservation activities.

The model includes collection level codes (0-5), together with a
structure for recording written information about preservation and
conservation activities in the assessment record and has been
designed for the recording of information about both print and
electronic media.

Copies of the Model for the recording preservation and conservation
activity are available from:

    Rachel Jakimow
    Australian Conspectus Manager
    DNC Office
    National Library of Australia
    Canberra  ACT  2600
    Australia
    r.jakimow [at] nla__gov__au
    + 61 6 262 1522
    Fax: +61 6 257 1703

Jan Lyall
National Preservation Office
National Library of Australia
+61 6 262 1571
Fax: +61 6 273 4493

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:5
                   Distributed: Monday, July 1, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-10-5-001
                                  ***