The model of conservation of library collections and its influence on the scope of information science

Abstract

This article discusses the fundamental, complex and difficult problem of written collections – preservation of gathered information. The author focuses on conservation of library materials, discussing in details: prevention, defined as adequate methods of storage and usage, as well as production of durable library materials; artistic conservation of collections; preventative and provisional mass conservation, as well as preservation of information as a value. The last case concerns electronic preservation (archivisation) of information – older and new – by digitisation, i.e. mission of traditional library materials, e.g. books, onto digital carriers. Concluding the author states that without adequate funds the presented model of conservation of library materials would not be realised.