[padg] Public library preservation measures

["Kevin Driedger" <kdriedger@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings

Public libraries in Michigan are encouraged to participate in a certification program in which libraries meet certain quality measures and receive a certification from the State library. There are 3 levels of certification:

Essential - every library regardless of size/funding should do this
Enhanced - most libraries should do this, but it might be a stretch for medium and small libraries
Excellent - will be difficult to achieve. Highly dedicated libraries will make this level.
 
Currently, none of the measures in this program include any preservation/collections care component, however, I have been asked to suggest some appropriate preservation measures and the corresponding level. 

Below are some ideas that I've had moving in the general direction from Essential to Excellent.

Materials handling part of staff/volunteer orientation
Rain bags are available to patrons - and their use is encouraged (plastic grocery bags at circ desk to protect materials when it is raining) 
A staff person attends book repair training 
Develop a professional preservation collection (a few select resources about preservation)
Complete a disaster plan (dPlan, or others) 
One position has collection care in the job description

I am curious to hear from others what they would think of as preservation activities for public libraries that would meet the standards for these 3 levels? It is important to remember that these apply to all sizes of public libraries, from large metropolitan libraries to small libraries with a single staff person.

Thanks for any suggestions,


**********************************************
Kevin Driedger
Cataloger/Collections Conservator
Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-9440