“Change and decay in all around I see ...”

1. “Change and decay in all around I see ...” • Integrating preservation and conservation into strategic thinking about collections at Leeds • Brian Clifford and Michael Emly • Leeds University Library • 21st April 2010 1

2. Overview • The big question: what is the future shape of HE libraries? • Developing an integrated strategy for our collections at Leeds • How the BL/RLUK project has helped develop our skills at Leeds in support of this agenda 2

3. What keeps you awake at night? • Not enough money • Lack of space for the collections • Is the roof leaking again? • Google! • What is the role of my library in a digital world? • More especially, what is the role of my physical collections? 3

4. And your preservation manager? • Material published 1850-1960 • Acid paper • Disintegrating bindings • Inappropriate storage conditions • Rough handling (and book drops!) • Leaking roofs! • Leeds survey of open access collections • At least 55% are printed on acid paper • 10% at immediate risk • Poor quality of paper for many foreign publications putting major research collections at risk almost in their entirety 4

5. Identifying collection strengths • Leeds needed an approach to both sets of questions • Based on following premises • Some materials are unique and will attract scholars • Some collections attract scholars by their breadth and depth – these are not necessarily within Special Collections (or at least wholly so) • It is important to preserve access to physical materials for some purposes 5

6. Identifying collection strengths • New collections policy based on collection strengths • Framework extends to all formats, including digital • “Heritage Collections” represent the long-term assets we need to develop and protect • Group together materials potentially scattered at various locations, both closed and open access • Prioritised for: • Collection development (resourcing) • Space allocation • Protection within stock relegation exercises • Storage conditions (where possible) • Conservation treatment • Promotional activities 6

7. Revitalising collection care • New policy and strategic plan for collection care • Integrated with other policies into a broad strategic vision for our future • Identifying major points of interaction with current activities and planning • Exploring challenges of digital preservation and digital surrogacy through JISC Life-Share Project • Impact on resource allocation • Engaging all staff to create a shared understanding 7

8. Support from the RLUK/BL Project • An initial forum to share ideas • Ongoing contacts to share best practice via the mailing list • Understanding the theory … • “Preservation policies in practice” • “Prioritization for preservation, conservation and digitization” • And putting it into practice • “Disaster response and salvage training” 8

9. Any questions? 9