Preservation Principles

Course aim

To give students the skills to analyse and critically evaluate the principles, complex challenges and the key strategies for preserving physical materials for the future.

Course content

Overview of complexities of physical preservation throughout the life-cycle of objects, including challenges and risks, special implications for libraries, records management and archives. Principles including interconnectedness; active managed care; selection and significance; ethics; culturally sensitive materials; relevance of risk management and project management; quality and standards; authenticity and integrity; minimal intervention; documentation and metadata; scalability; collaboration and access. Factors which cause deterioration; associated preservation strategies including preventive strategies – environmental issues and sustainability, sustainability, housing, integrated pest management, disaster management; conservation treatments; reformatting; exhibition support; preservation policies and programs; preservation surveys; analysis of issues relating to ongoing management and resourcing, special requirements of audio visual formats. Impacts of legislative requirements including copyright; synergies and integration with the preservation of digital materials, awareness/education and keeping up to date, local, national and international examples.

Textbook(s)

Harvey, Ross & Mahard M; revised by Donia Conn 2020, The Preservation Management Handbook: A 21st-Century Guide for Libraries, Archives, and Museums, Rowman & Littlefield

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Continuous assessment, Project

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4A)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.