IFLA

I F LA

Volume 48 Number 2 June 2022

Contents
Special Issue: Preservation storage and curation strategies
Guest Editors: Reinhard Altenhöner and Jacob Nadal
Introduction
Preservation storage and curation strategies: Introduction 263
Reinhard Altenhöner and Jacob Nadal

Special issue interview

Tāhuhu: Preserving the Nation’s Memory Programme: An interview with Peter Whitehead and
Hinerangi Himiona 267

Contemporary Material
Identification and storage of plastics in libraries and archives 275
Chantal Stein, Jessica Pace and Laura McCann

Climate and Environment

Curation of manuscripts in the tropical savanna climate of north-eastern India 282
Sudip Bhattacharjee
Preservation storage in a flood damage mitigation effort at the National Library of France 289
Céline Allain and Sophie Guérinot

Storage and Access to Physical Collections

Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage solutions at the British Library 293
Paulina Kralka and Marya Muzart
The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project: A case study 307
Genevieve Pierce

Storage and Access to Digital Collections

Deciding how to decide: Using the Digital Preservation Storage Criteria 318
Sibyl K. Schaefer, Nancy Y. McGovern, Eld M. O. Zierau, Andrea L. Goethals and Cynthia C. M. Wu
Experimenting with 360 and virtual reality representations as new access strategies to vulnerable
physical collections: Two case studies at the KB, National Library of the Netherlands 332
Marzia Loddo, Foekje Boersma, Martijn Kleppe and Karin Vingerhoets

Traditional Methods
Applicability of traditional storage methods in Indonesia for today’s conservation practice 339
Patricia Engel
Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free library collection 349
Antonette Mohan Lobo and Madhuri Tikam

Abstracts 352

Aims and Scope

IFLA Journal is an international journal publishing peer reviewed articles on library and information
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IFLA Journal
Official Journal of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
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Published 4 times a year in March, June, October and December

Editor
Steve Witt, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 321 Main Library,
MC – 522 1408 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, USA. Email: [email protected]
Chair
Anne Goulding, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
Editorial Committee
Sanjay Kumar Bihani (IFLA Governing Board Liaison)
Library and Information Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, India.
Amanda Cossham (At Large)
Open Polytechnic, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
Milena Dobreva-McPherson
Sofia University, Bulgaria. Email: [email protected]
Amany M. Elsayed (Africa Representative)
Helwan University, Egypt. Email: [email protected]
Mahmood Khosrowjerdi
Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway. Email: [email protected]
Debbie Rabina
Pratt Institute, USA. Email: [email protected]
Egbert J. Sanchez-Vanderkast (Latin America and Caribbean Representative)
Instituto de Investigaciones Bibliotecológicas y de la Información, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico.
Diljit Singh (Asia Oceania Representative)
University of Malaya (retired), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: [email protected]
Shali Zhang
Auburn University, USA. Email: [email protected]
Lihong Zhou
Wuhan University, China. Email: [email protected]
Publisher
SAGE, Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC and Melbourne.
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 I F LA

Introduction

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Preservation storage and curation 2022, Vol. 48(2) 263–266
ª The Author(s) 2022
strategies: Introduction Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352221093475
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

All collecting institutions reckon with the fundamen- not logical so far as the succession of different depart-
tal question of how to store collections. The answer to ments in relation to the operations of the human mind
this question often begins and ends with pragmatic is concerned; that it is not recommended for any other
decisions: collections are stored wherever staff can library, and that no librarian of another library would
find room. Storage is an operational necessity but it approve of it.”
also needs attention at a strategic level. Storage serves The book stacks that Billings had in mind were
as a fundamental and functional piece of the institu- themselves the result of a strategic decision about how
tion’s plan for access to and preservation of its collec- to store books, and attempted to make the best use of
tions: storage at its best becomes proactive curation of the best technologies of their era. They were designed
the collection and requires a good knowledge of the by Bernard Green and first used at the Library of
condition and quality of the collection. In this special Congress (USA), being soon adopted by the Ontario
issue of IFLA Journal, we have attempted to bring Legislative Library (Canada), New York Public
together articles depicting a variety of approaches to Library (USA), and Widener Memorial Library of
storage for physical and digital collections that are Harvard University (USA). These stacks, which were
adapted to the particular constraints and opportunities manufactured by Snead & Co. Ironworks, were
of different types of libraries. We hope that this col- intended to fulfill a program of requirements that
lection will show how storage choices affect the goals includes many aspects of library services:
of libraries across the spectrum, from preservation to
access.  Accommodation for books of every variety,
As we brought together these articles, we found shape, and binding;
that there is a history of library science that deserves  Direct and immediate access to every volume
to be told from the viewpoint of storage. Historically, with a minimum distance to travel;
most classification systems have grouped related cate-  Location in close communication with catalo-
gories of materials together on the shelf, but several ging, reading, and delivery rooms;
systems also tried to group materials near their service  Thorough illumination, either natural or artifi-
points in particular buildings. All libraries have faced cial, by day and night;
some version of this question as they decide between  A constant supply of fresh air and an evenly
on-site and off-site storage or settle on the optimal regulated temperature, in order to prevent the
number of copies to collect. Some models of storage, deterioration of both paper and bindings;
such as the Open Archival Information System, have  The greatest possible freedom from dust;
attempted to make a similar connection between the  Facilities for proper classification, arrange-
elements of a digital storage and delivery system to ment, and rearrangement;
guide development of effective and reliable digital  Maximum development of book space and pro-
archives. vision for indefinite expansion.
The answers to these questions are as many and
varied as the communities that libraries serve. In
describing the classification system he developed for
Corresponding author:
the New York Public Library, a system intended to Reinhard Altenhöner, Deputy Director, Berlin State Library,
place subject collections close to their respective Linter den Linden 8, 10117, Berlin 10785, Germany.
reading rooms, John Shaw Billings wrote that “it is Email: [email protected]
264 IFLA Journal 48(2)

What resulted from these requirements was stacks For one answer to this question, in the introductory
consisting of a framework of cast-iron supports which article of this issue, we have invited Peter Whitehead
carried bookshelves and platforms that subdivided the and colleagues at the National Library of New Zealand
storage area into decks between 7 and 7.5 feet high. (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) to tell us about the
At the turn of the 20th century in central Europe, very Tāhuhu: Preserving the Nation’s Memory Programme,
similar considerations led to a standardized, flexible, a large collaborative effort to update the buildings
self-supporting system of steel shelving that improved and services for the National Library, Archives
the ratio of storage to space compared to previous mod- New Zealand, and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. White-
els of shelving. These systems were installed in numer- head describes this entire plan as tāhuhu, the “backbone”
ous European library buildings between 1889 and the of the whare tupuna or “meeting house.” The backbone
1920s, and some of them are still in use today. is a fundamental structure and serves the National
Improvements in storage and space ratios continue Library’s program as a powerful metaphor of support for
to this day. As we go to press with this special issue, the mahi (“work”) that is planned over the next six to
the Library of Congress is completing construction of seven years, which includes the heke (“ribs”) as the indi-
a new storage facility from a design originating at vidual projects within the backbone of tāhuhu. The entire
Harvard University and widely adopted by American project grows out of thoughtful planning to promote use
libraries. These high-density facilities embody a stra- and ensure the sustainability of the collections and the
tegic decision to change the program of require- infrastructure required for their preservation.
ments—with collections being located off-site and The Tāhuhu project includes plans for a new, resi-
less accessible to the reading room—towards improv- lient, purpose-built facility for the Heke Rua Archives
ing storage density and achieving better preservation in Wellington to preserve memory of government and
outcomes. The preservation environments of these taonga (“treasured materials”). This will include sup-
facilities use technologies of our current era to reduce port of best-practice storage, conservation, and digi-
light exposure, temperature, and humidity, and care-
tization services. Alterations to the National Library’s
fully manage fire risks.1
building are envisioned to enable co-location and
Although our authors in this issue are focused on
greater collaboration between the Archives, National
the present day, it would be interesting to examine the
Library, and Ngā Taonga in a vibrant new campus-
interrelationships between the continents in terms of
like setting where visitors can access and learn about
the professionalization of the storage of books and the
the nation’s recorded and documentary heritage all in
lines of development that have led to modern require-
one place. In addition, a fit-for-purpose, resilient, and
ments. Further advances in storage design include
facilities technology—low oxygen storage, for exam- sustainable facility in the lower North Island is
ple, and automation of storage systems along with planned to provide preservation storage across the
further increases in storage density—as well as opera- National Library, Ngā Taonga, and Archives, with the
tional models that share the costs of storage as a pre- potential for wider sector use.
servation function through shared print archiving or In planning this special issue, we discussed the
distributed digital archives that ensure there will be aforementioned questions and many other ways of
many copies of data to avoid loss. thinking about storage. Ultimately, we decided to
The flexibility afforded by digital storage and pose the question of how storage—and the policy-
access has a fertilizing effect here. With a growing driven rules and services associated with it—plays a
range of digital library options and the desire to sup- strategic function in libraries. Storage is something
port research that uses both digital and physical libraries must do, a cost they must bear, so they must
holdings together for their distinctive characteristics, manage that cost and, ideally, benefit from that
there are intriguing possibilities for the purpose and investment. The storage projects of large collecting
design of library storage systems. In ways that are institutions like the Berlin State Library and Library
guided by the goals of the library and enabled by the of Congress help to break ground and advance the
technologies and other resources available to them, field, but the way national and research libraries solve
librarians continue to embody strategic decisions in these problems cannot be taken as a turnkey answer
their choice of storage methods. They ask: What for every library of every size in every place. In this
happens when libraries envision a new service issue, we strive to include a variety of articles that,
model, and how can the library rethink the reposi- while not comprehensive, provide many points on the
tory’s purpose in terms of preservation of the hold- map, showing solutions from libraries in a variety of
ings themselves and the services that exist around the geographic locations and with a variety of different
repository? levels of resources available to them.
Altenhöner and Nadal: Preservation storage and curation strategies 265

Two articles describe housing projects for collec- are the standard practice in the western hemisphere. A
tions in distinctive formats that take into account deci- change in thinking is taking place, and libraries are
sions for user and access services: “Dunhuang scrolls: revisiting the assumptions that guided the construc-
Innovative storage solutions at the British Library” tion of storage spaces for decades in order to look for
and “The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing more ecologically sustainable solutions. The ideas
project: A case study.” In both, libraries reckon with and practices in countries that do not have the same
the challenge of how to create safe storage housings level of energy resources and financing options thus
for these materials—scrolls in one case, storyboards take on a completely different relevance as we give
for films in the other—and to design those housings in collective attention to sustainable and suitable preser-
a way that made the materials easy to serve to users vation on a global scale.
while also being efficient to produce. This efficiency Although much of this special issue focuses on
is measured in terms of labor as well as choice of physical collections, usually paper-based, libraries
materials, and raises important practical questions and archives face significant storage challenges for
about the level of skill required for this work, and other media. “Identification and storage of plastics
how best to apply the skills of various staff. in libraries and archives” provides an overview of a
Another article, “Preservation storage in a flood variety of plastics in library collections and guidance
damage mitigation effort at the National Library of on identifying the most high-risk instances of these
France,” also describes innovative housing solutions materials.
based on strategic decision-making, but, in this Two other articles turn from physical collections to
instance, preservation staff designed storage contain- digital collections. Digital collections are a rapidly
ers with a different purpose in mind. Like many growing category of library collections and often
libraries, the Bibliothèque nationale de France must framed as a new type of content with new challenges.
contend with increasingly frequent floods driven by a As this issue goes to press—itself a digital process—it
changing environment, and the book-storage contain- is just over 50 years after the first Advanced Research
ers described in this article are intended to facilitate Projects Agency Network transmission between uni-
the rapid evacuation of collections. versities (the University of California, Los Angeles to
The environment and the impact of the climate is Stanford in 1969) and roughly 30 years since the first
also the focus of “Curation of manuscripts in the tro- web browsers were introduced (the World Wide Web
pical savanna climate of north-eastern India.” This in 1990, NCSA Mosaic in 1993, and Netscape Navi-
article provides a review of issues facing a distinctive gator in 1994). Digital content is a well-established
set of archives in a region that has not received sig- part of the information environment and, for many
nificant discussion in the literature but whose risks and librarians, the predominant information format in use
constraints can be recognized around the world: a throughout their lives and their professional careers.
warm and often humid environment, with little access In this issue, we touch both poles of digital
to the infrastructure needed for heating, ventilation, libraries: an aspect of our work that increases access
and air-conditioning systems to mitigate these risks. to collections through new methods and an ever-
A pair of articles reminds us that history often pro- growing storage project of its own. The article
vides useful clues in our culture and environment for “Experimenting with 360 and virtual reality repre-
how to work in the future. “Applicability of tradi- sentations as new access strategies to vulnerable
tional storage methods in Indonesia for today’s con- physical collections: Two case studies at the KB,
servation practice” reviews the outcomes from several National Library of the Netherlands” builds a bridge
conservation projects in Java, Indonesia, that rely on between physical and digital storage, describing the
traditional cultural methods to care for collections in a early stages of testing the applicability of 360 ima-
museum of contemporary art, a traditional puppet ging to support virtual access to the special collection
theater, a museum of traditional art, and an archive. storage and using virtual reality to render pop-up
In “Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free library col- books for educational purposes. “Deciding how to
lection,” we have a review of another look at tradi- decide” introduces the Digital Preservation Storage
tional methods that make use of various herbs and Criteria and an accompanying Usage Guide to support
spices to preserve reading materials, and their com- organizations in a variety of situations in preparing for
parison to fumigation or other chemical treatments. digital preservation. This article explains the Criteria
These articles on storage decisions in subtropical and their recent updates to map them to relevant inter-
climates should also prompt us to think about sustain- national digital preservation and information technol-
able development. There is an ecological fingerprint ogy standards. In addition, the article reviews the
required by the air-conditioned storage systems that latest updates to the Usage Guide and gives examples
266 IFLA Journal 48(2)

of using the Criteria in various contexts to help orga- to Stephen Witt, editor of IFLA Journal, for his wise
nizations apply the Criteria to their own situations. and reasonable advice and his unwavering patience.
Around the world, libraries are making conscien- S ónia Casquiço, conservadora-restauradora
tious decisions about their service models. These (“conservator-restorer”) at the Fundação Calouste
decisions, shaped by each library’s resources and Gulbenkian, provided valuable support for the review
goals, are often realized in a storage strategy: Where of the papers. Finally, we must acknowledge the
will this library keep this item, and how will it be enduring contribution of Jeanne Drewes, who origi-
kept? While this special issue cannot provide a com- nated the idea of this special issue, was instrumental
plete and comprehensive review or study of the vari- in developing the call for proposals, and has assisted
ety of storage choices made by libraries, we hope that us throughout the process of bringing this to print.
it provides interested readers with enough examples
of collections from around the world to stimulate Reinhard Altenhöner
careful thought about how storage decisions factor Berlin State Library, Germany
into the life of the library. They all demonstrate how Jacob Nadal
the preservation of our collective memory—whether Library of Congress, USA
in physical or digital form—is recognizable as a com-
mon task of libraries. Libraries embody a fundamental Note
social mandate for preservation, and this is the special 1. It is worth noting that the Green-Snead design’s well-
responsibility of library professionals. The need for intentioned air circulation plan may do more for the
spread of fire than it does for the preservation of col-
critical attention to preservation, and that it plays a
lections—books may benefit from some air exchange
strategic function in libraries, is especially significant
but they do not breathe oxygen, while fire thrives on
against the backdrop of the fateful issue of access to this element.
“sustainability,” which confronts us day by day with
increasing challenges in so many aspects of our lives Reference
and livelihoods. Miller M (2016) Classmark History and New Browsing
*** Tool. In: NYPL Blog. Available at: https://www.nypl.
Acknowledgments are due to many people for their org/blog/2016/01/27/nomadic-classification-billi
help in assembling this special issue. We are grateful (accessed 28 April 2022).
 I F LA

Special issue interview

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Tāhuhu: Preserving the Nation’s 2022, Vol. 48(2) 267–274
ª The Author(s) 2022
Memory Programme: An interview Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352221093476
with Peter Whitehead and Hinerangi journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Himiona

For this special issue, the editors (Reinhard Altenh- Peter Whitehead (PW) Figure 1: The Tāhuhu: Pre-
öner and Jakob Nadal) spoke with Peter Whitehead, serving the Nation’s Memory Programme is a large
Collection Care Leader at the National Library of collaborative programme to update the buildings and
New Zealand, and Hinerangi Himiona, archivist and services for Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Principal Māori Advisor on the Tāhuhu Programme. Archives New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o
Aotearoa National Library of New Zealand and Ngā
Editors: The National Library is involved in a large
Taonga Sound & Vision. The Programme grew out of
programme of building works. What can you tell us
a property review conducted by the Department of
about that programme?

Figure 1. Alexander Turnbull Library newspaper team. From left to right: Laura Mirebeau (Books and Paper Conservator),
Lorraine Laulau (Project Manager), Graeme Shaw (Newspapers Curator), Peter Whitehead (Collection Care Leader) and
Amy Cosgrove (Collection Registrar). Photograph courtesy of Mark Beatty, National Library of New Zealand.
268 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Internal Affairs. The review identified over 60% of nation’s documentary heritage and taonga, valued at
Archives and National Library buildings in the North NZ$1.5 billion and growing. Together, the valuable
Island are not fit for purpose. Archives Wellington collections include government records, publications,
has been full since 2017 and the National Library will books, manuscripts, artwork, scientific data, images,
be close to capacity by 2030. The Tāhuhu Programme films and much more. Across the entire portfolio,
provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a these physical records total over 271,000 linear
national documentary heritage campus within the par- metres and are continually growing.
liamentary area and build more resilience across the In 2018, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision was included
sector. within the scope of the Tāhuhu Programme, as
A tāhuhu is the ‘backbone’ of the whare tupuna, a New Zealand’s audiovisual archive. The central
‘meeting house’. The backbone is a fundamental Wellington facility of Ngā Taonga was no longer fit
structure and can be seen as a powerful metaphor of for purpose and the collection had outgrown their
support for the mahi (‘work’) we are doing over the storage capacity. Ngā Taonga cares for New Zealand’s
next six to seven years. We have extended this meta- most extensive audiovisual collection, with over
phor to include the heke (‘ribs’) as the projects within 980,000 items. The Wellington-based staff of Ngā
Tāhuhu. Tāhuhu is a multi-year programme of work Taonga moved into the National Library Molesworth
that encompasses seven projects and workstreams. Street building in September 2019.
The three key projects relating to storage are:

 Heke Rua Archives: a new, resilient, purpose-

built Archives facility in Wellington will house Transition planning
and protect our memory of government and
Editors: You also have facilities in Christchurch and
taonga or ‘treasures’, and provide specialist
Auckland. I have to ask if there was damage to the
facilities for conservation and digitisation. The
Christchurch facility from the 2011 earthquake. Inter-
new building will be joined to the National
national news highlighted the cathedral damage, as
Library by a link bridge, and some services and
well as other buildings, but little information about
staff will be co-located across the sites.
the National Library building. Did the old library
 Heke Puna Library: alterations to the current
building have any specific earthquake-resistant con-
National Library building will help to enable that
co-location and greater collaboration between struction or renovation?
Archives New Zealand, the National Library and PW: The National Library does have facilities in
Ngā Taonga. This project is also core to the cre- Auckland and Christchurch. Both facilities are centres
ation of a vibrant new campus-like setting where for the National Library’s Services to Schools. They
visitors can access and learn about our nation’s do not have collection repositories but do hold and
recorded and documentary heritage with three of supply the important schools collections across those
these major institutions in one place. Budget regions. The Christchurch building, although not that
2020 included funding for the design and pro- old, was damaged beyond repair by the earthquake, so
curement process for National Library altera- the library moved to another leased facility.
tions. A Budget 2023 submission will be Many of the Christchurch library and heritage insti-
required to deliver the alteration works. tutions were badly affected by the 2010 and 2011
 Regional Shared Repository: a fit-for-purpose, Canterbury earthquakes. Now, 10 years on, many
resilient and sustainable facility in the lower have reopened with new or refurbished facilities,
North Island, the Regional Shared Repository including the Christchurch City Library, Archives
will provide specialist preservation storage New Zealand Christchurch Regional Repository and
across the National Library, Ngā Taonga and Christchurch Art Gallery. Christchurch had not pre-
Archives with the potential for wider sector use. viously been considered a high earthquake-risk area,
This involves the acquisition of a suitable piece so buildings were typically not designed or strength-
of land and the delivery of design, build, fit-out ened to withstand the size and forces of these earth-
and the transfer of collections to the new facility. quakes. Those and subsequent earthquakes in New
Zealand have resulted in a raft of revisions to building
Background standards, for building resilience for both existing and
new buildings. Because of these major events and
PW: Archives New Zealand and the National subsequent new legislation, we undertook a full
Library are the official ‘stewards’ or kaipupuri of our review of the Wellington facilities.
Interview 269

Last year, we received a detailed seismic assessment PW: The criteria used to establish ‘what goes where’
for the National Library’s Wellington building. The are different for each organisation, but for the
assessment outcome for the building was excellent, and National Library the principles focused on are:
we are confident the National Library building presents
a low risk exposure for staff and our collections.  Separation of duplicate or multiple copies. The
library holds duplicates, second copies or pre-
Editors: We’d like to know about the plans for future
servation surrogates of many collection items
use of the current National Library and the new
to support preservation and access. All have a
Archives New Zealand and Regional Shared Reposi-
preservation status, and physical separation is a
tory buildings, and how that relates to planning for
way of managing the risk of total loss of collec-
new storage facilities for your national collections.
tions from natural disasters while keeping one
Will both the National Library and Archives Welling-
copy accessible.
ton buildings continue to be used?
 Digitised material or microfilmed material to
PW: A purpose-built Archives facility in Wellington be moved off-site in most cases. This will
began construction in February 2022 on a site adjacent include material intended for digitisation,
to the National Library. Alterations to the existing although transfer may be later.
National Library building, including a link bridge con-  Anticipated use, with medium- and high-demand
necting the new Archives building, are being designed collections to stay close to access points in
and will change how people and collections occupy the Wellington and low-demand collections consid-
space. Completion is scheduled for 2026. The library ered for off-site storage. We anticipate that use
conservation and digitisation studios and staff will move will change over time as interests change and
to brand-new facilities in the new Archives building, co- material is digitised, so these collections may
locating with Archives teams. Ngā Taonga Sound & move again in future.
Vision staff will co-locate in the National Library. This  Existing specialist storage and benefits realised
provides an opportunity for new shared access spaces through earlier refurbishments at the library–
where holdings and collections of all three organisations for example, cold stores. Where we already
can be seen together in one campus. These alterations to have a specialist storage that continues to meet
the current library building will enable this co-location the requirements, it will be utilised. However,
and greater collaboration. any new additional cold and cool collection
There will continue to be collections stored in the stores should be accounted for in the Regional
National Library building, but there will be some Shared Repository, where preservation and sus-
changes to how stores are configured and organised. tainability can be optimised.
So, we are planning for major building works. The
campus does not have capacity to accommodate all Using these principles, we looked at all the collec-
collections and the anticipated growth for the next tions, including both the general collections and the
25 years across the three organisations. A new heritage collections, and tested each against these cri-
Regional Shared Repository will provide that extra teria to identify what needed to remain in Wellington.
capacity and the opportunity for improved storage There are some obvious collections, like the micro-
that optimises preservation, access and sustainability. filmed newspaper collections; one of the two copies
The site for the new repository is in Taitoko Levin, of New Zealand publications deposited under legal
which is about 90 kilometres north of Wellington. The deposit or digitised AV [Audio-Visual material]; and
location and site for this repository is important. As photographic collections that require specialist long-
New Zealand experiences earthquakes on a regular term storage. Less obvious are those items that do not
basis and Wellington itself lies on a fault line, the meet these criteria yet will do in the future once digi-
repository needed to provide a geographical separa- tised, or where the levels of use are not easily antici-
tion of collections, to provide the best protection from pated. The Regional Repository is planned to include
natural and man-made risks, yet remain accessible for digitisation facilities, so we are investigating digitisa-
business continuity and ongoing access to collections. tion on demand as an option for future access of some
The process of selecting the site has ensured all of collections.
these requirements were met. Editors: Could you help our readers with some counts
Editors: What criteria will be used to divide up the on how much storage (and type of storage) over time
holdings? can you project to have for physical materials?
270 IFLA Journal 48(2)

PW: The new Regional Shared Repository is intended copies. Physically, they are large and often on
to meet the storage and growth needs until 2045. It is unstable acidic paper, so our planning is taking into
being designed to accommodate a range of different consideration our preservation and access plans for
materials and formats, with some in specialist envir- newspapers, the optimum storage environment and
onments. The size of the land purchased also allows the most efficient systems for managing. We plan to
for future growth. store all newspapers in the Regional Repository in a
As a high-level starting point for the National general storage environment, which we anticipate will
Library, the collections currently occupy about have passive temperature control providing stable and
110,000 linear metres of shelving, and the existing cool conditions. Together with boxing, this will pro-
capacity of all sites is about 115,000 linear metres. vide the appropriate preservation environment. News-
About 70,000 linear metres (65%) of this are the heri- papers are also large and awkward, and we have
tage collections and 40,000 linear metres (35%) are the recently improved storage efficiency in part of the
general collections. We anticipate being at capacity by collection by 40% by designing shelving to fit them
2030, although in some areas this will be sooner. rather than just putting the newspapers on our stan-
Counting, measuring and estimating growth rates dard shelving.
has kept us very busy for several years now, and is Archives New Zealand and Ngā Taonga Sound &
ongoing. For designing specialist stores, the numbers Vision have been doing similar work and with similar
need to be accurate and more detailed, as different high-level counts, although the collections differ both
formats of collections or methods of storage occupy in format and organisation. These projects aim to
space in different ways. A linear metre of newspapers meet our combined storage needs across all these for-
is different to a linear metre of cassette tapes, and mats, so we have been collaborating to combine our
space efficiencies can be made (especially with low- requirements wherever possible to avoid duplication,
use collections) by how they are organised, packaged maximise efficiencies and achieve the most sustain-
or boxed. High-level figures are only indicative and able outcome. For this, we are considering shared
will change as more detail emerges. Each collection locations and shared stores where possible. This also
format or type has been counted according to the way requires our collection management systems to work
we plan to store it and access it. This can be on stan- well together.
dard or bespoke shelving and cabinets or within
Editors: Will the new facility have storage for a vari-
general or specialised storage environments. Our cal-
ety of collections/media and will that mean a variety
culation of growth rates anticipates trends and how
of environments?
the digital shift may mean fewer physical collections
in the long term. At the same time, we have also PW: Yes. The facilities will accommodate all the
experienced an influx of physical material as other variety of formats and collections from all three orga-
organisations stop collecting their own physical nisations. This will include traditional paper-based
material. holdings of archives and manuscripts; books and
Our approach has been to look at each area of the bindings; maps and plans (rolled and flat); works of
collections and split growth predictions between 2030 art and objects; film and photographic collections;
and 2045. This has allowed us to estimate growth with and audiovisual collections from lacquer discs, vinyl,
more confidence and accuracy, and provide numbers magnetic media tapes, video and digital carriers like
to plan for each facility to accommodate these chang- optical discs. Those formats which are chemically
ing trends. Using newspapers as an example, our col- unstable will require more specialist environments
lection currently occupies 19,000 linear metres and like cold or sub-zero stores. We are collaborating with
grows at a rate of circa 450 linear metres a year (new colleagues from Archives New Zealand and Ngā
publications and retrospective collecting). Due to its Taonga to review different options based on our pre-
size, it cannot be accommodated at the Wellington servation requirements for each. We hope to simplify
site for much longer. We anticipate growth rates will our combined requirements and maximise the poten-
remain steady until 2030 then decrease by up to two- tial for passive or low-energy systems. The projects
thirds until 2045 as we shift to digital. We are there- will map out the locations to storage spaces with
fore planning for 23,500 linear metres of newspapers appropriate environments and with storage systems
by 2030 and 26,000 linear metres by 2045. to accommodate specific collections. The programme
Newspapers were traditionally microfilmed; now is buying a box-making machine to assist with pre-
they are digitised, these are one of the most accessed paration work, as boxing and packaging solutions can
collections through the online Papers Past platform, provide a range of additional benefits, including buf-
but there is still the need to maintain the original fering of environments.
Interview 271

New facility plans specialist treatment areas for wet, dry or chemical
treatments; and areas for preservation activities like
Editors: The intertwining of building and storage plan- boxing or exhibition preparation.
ning with the collection-specific treatment is a particu-
larly interesting aspect of your planning that would help Editors: As you work on a new facility, how are you
our readers to understand the overall context and developing the requirements and scope of the project?
underline how you are proceeding holistically. Can you Is that done with experts within your organisation or
describe your team and the kind of preservation exper- does it also include outside experts?
tise involved, how treatment is organised on a regular PW: The scope of the programme has evolved. For
basis– and are there any expected changes with the the National Library, it began as a project for a new
perspective of a new building? off-site repository to replace the existing library out-
PW: The Collection Care team at the National store, which has reached its end of life. We joined
Library sits within the Alexander Turnbull Library, with Archives New Zealand, who were planning a
which is home to our heritage collections. The Alex- new Archives facility in Wellington and needed a
ander Turnbull Library Collection Care team covers a regional store. With the land available next door to
broad range of collection-care activities, including the library for the Archives New Zealand project and
collection-stores planning and management, collec- the opportunity for a heritage campus, the programme
tion logistics and the collection registrar, as well as has further developed to where it is now. With the
the conservation team, with specialist roles in paper, scope of the programme confirmed, the requirements
books, photographs, sound, audiovisual materials and for the projects could also be developed further, and
preventive conservation. Conservation technicians the broader scope also gave further opportunities for
and library assistants within the team support the collaboration, especially looking at how shared stores
range of activities that include conservation treat- could be more sustainable.
ments, loan and exhibition preparation, packaging The Tāhuhu Programme team is large and includes
projects, and support for the usual business activities 42 permanent roles and draws on a pool of over 75
and projects such as digitisation, acquisition, reading Subject Matter Experts from across the three organisa-
rooms, etc. Collection care starts when items come tions. It has contracted a range of consultants to assist
into the library and continues for the life of the item. with developing requirements and reviewing designs.
We try to ensure appropriate conservation is in place Another 120 people are engaged with the programme
to support access, use and ongoing storage. governance structure and peer review, so there are
Since January 2021, I have been on secondment to many minds working together across all projects.
the Tāhuhu Programme team as a conservation and Each project includes collections stores, but all are
collection-care Subject Matter Expert, providing advice very different. The high-level requirements focused ini-
on requirements to the business, project and design tially on the space and access needs, but we are now
teams. I’m working closely with other Subject Matter looking in more detail at storage systems and environ-
Experts from both Archives New Zealand and Ngā ments. These are developed in workshops with Subject
Taonga. The Tāhuhu Programme will see the Alexander Matter Experts from the three organisations, including
Turnbull Library conservation team use co-located preservation, collection management, Māori specialists
purpose-built facilities with the conservation team from and curators, facilities teams, etc. We have drawn on a
Archives New Zealand in the new Archives building. number of external experts contracted to advise, and we
While the operational model is still to be con- have reached out to the international community too for
firmed, it will mean a significant change to the way advice and inspiration.
we work. Team members from both organisations By developing a Sustainability Policy and Frame-
have been actively involved in planning the new work we have given ourselves some tools to better
facility, and it has been an opportunity to review the incorporate sustainable design into the requirements. It
way we each work and to design new studios and has been essential to work closely with architects and
laboratories based on the different types of work engineers to finalise and test the viability of require-
and specialist areas. The new conservation facilities ments as they move from concept through to developed
will occupy a whole floor, with good natural day- design. For the combined collection-storage require-
light and functional areas to allow a full range of ments, there are a lot of interdependencies so that work-
conservation activities to take place without one ing groups made up of multidisciplinary specialists, who
impacting the other. It includes dedicated areas for can review collection risks, analyse or model environ-
film and audiovisual conservation and digitisation; ments, develop and review options. This is challenging,
272 IFLA Journal 48(2)

as the projects have developed separately, so each had to for a storage strategy that best matches our short- and
adjust to accommodate a holistic approach. long-term preservation objectives with the best and
most sustainable collection environment. For example,
Editors: Can you tell us about your current storage of
magnetic media is unstable but will also soon be inac-
physical collections and how that compares to what
cessible due to obsolete playback equipment. Our pre-
you hope to have for your new storage facility? We
servation plan is to digitise this material in the next five
are especially interested in understanding your ideas
years, and a project is already in flight to do this.
in terms of sustainability, optimal storage for collec-
The storage objective is for a preservation environ-
tions and current technology.
ment that best preserves magnetic media for this time
PW: Archives New Zealand, the National Library and frame only, and facilitates efficient digitisation. Once
Ngā Taonga have different storage arrangements and digitised, the preservation storage environment is less
the collections have different histories, all of which critical, and even though we will want to retain the
are important as we design for the future. material, it may not require such specialist environ-
The National Library building in Wellington was ments. All the low-stability collections will need a
purpose-built for collection storage in the 1980s. A preservation plan, and we will be considering cold and
project in 2010 upgraded several of these storage sub-zero options. In each case, we are working closely
areas to improve efficiency of the plant and space. with the design teams, especially engineers, to ensure
Together with the out-store in Whanganui, there are we can achieve the most sustainable solution. Designers
15 repository stores holding both the heritage collec- are using a range of tools to test and model building
tions and the general collections. The current stores performance.
have been designed to deliver specific environments, The advantage of a new build on a greenfield site
each with its own plant and operating within tight for the Regional Shared Repository is that designers
parameters for temperature and relative humidity. can select materials and systems to meet both a pre-
These include two cold stores running at 2  C, 30% servation and sustainability objective. The sustain-
relative humidity, for photograph negatives and col- ability requirements are complex and can be
our photography; ten cool stores that run at 13–15  C, impacted by a number of different elements. The pro-
45–50% relative humidity; and four stores with gen- gramme’s sustainability framework has identified
eral environments of 18  C and relative humidity less some important benchmarks we should aim for, with
than 60%. While these are excellent storage condi- each project agreeing on a strategy based on what is
tions for improving life expectancy of collections, most appropriate and achievable. This is challenging
they do not offer a sustainable preservation strategy work but, for me, perhaps the most interesting and
and have a heavy demand for energy. exciting part of the project.
The National Library is required to keep its heritage
Editors: Do you plan an IT [information technology]
collections in perpetuity, but this can be an ambiguous
system in order to document the collections based on
preservation goal, especially where material is unstable
their physical condition, treatment events and the
or where other preservation strategies, such as digitisa-
optimal storage conditions?
tion, are a high priority. Our approach is to agree our
preservation goals for the collections– for example, life PW: It has always been challenging to incorporate
expectancy– to understand the risks to specific collec- conservation and preservation documentation into the
tions, especially from broader ranges of temperature or existing collection management IT systems, espe-
humidity or seasonal setbacks, and design stores to cially in the National Library where there are different
deliver the optimum environment to manage the risks, systems for the published and unpublished collec-
rather than depending on energy-hungry systems. tions. Not all preservation documentation can be man-
Specialist storage environments are an important aged this way, and we often need different systems
element for all sites, and we are undertaking a review while still maintaining some physical records.
on what the shared requirements are so we can opti- The library’s collection management system does
mise preservation, access and sustainability. The hold- include a conservation module, which can record con-
ings of all three organisations include significant dition, treatments and events such as exhibition and
quantities of material that can be described as low loans. It is used for logging conservation requests and
stability, which means many are close to end of life. monitoring workflows. This, together with the
This includes roll and flat film on cellulose acetate and library’s published collections catalogue, is being
cellulose nitrate, colour photography and film, mag- developed further to include more detailed collection
netic media, optical and digital formats, lacquer discs location data, which will be critical for tracking and
and acidic papers. For all this material, we are aiming managing collection movements across multiple sites.
Interview 273

In February 2022, another of the Tāhuhu projects environments will perform, and modelling done by
replaced the Archives New Zealand collection man- the design team. With the buildings aiming for high
agement system. The project has mapped over a bil- thermal mass, insulation and low air exchange, we are
lion data points from Archives New Zealand’s four hoping the general stores can be passively maintained
current systems into one new collection management to cool and dry conditions.
system. The new system includes conservation and Our preservation strategy will differ across collec-
location modules. The programme will investigate tions. The National Library has different retention
how the various systems will best interface. policies for its collections. However, the Alexander
Editors: How will the storage conditions be defined Turnbull Library’s mandate is to preserve all its col-
in relation to preservation needs of collections? lections in perpetuity. Our different preservation stra-
tegies for each collection or format may result in
PW: We are following an approach recommended in different short- and long-term storage requirements.
the current standards like ISO/TR 19815, BS 4971 For some, a special environment will preserve the
and Chapter 24 of the 2019 ASHRAE Handbook. This collections until we can digitise; for others, a special
will focus on management of storage environments environment will preserve the collections for centu-
for optimisation of preservation and sustainability, ries to come. For each project, we are working with a
and to meet the ongoing access requirements for dif- different design team. However, the approach will be
ferent collections. As mentioned above, the pro- the same: clarifying the needs of the collections stored
gramme has also developed a sustainability policy at that location and working with the design team to
and framework, which provides aspirational bench-
establish the optimum environment.
marks to aim for, including carbon reduction.
New Zealand’s documentary heritage collections Editors: Are there plans to integrate the conservation
mostly date from around 1840, and a significant propor- goals and technical building management, for exam-
tion of them are on unstable media or formats that ple, with alarm systems when climatic parameters in
deteriorate quicker at room temperature than older the building change and there is a need for preserva-
paper-based collections. Even for general collections, tion action, for example, to readjust storage condi-
we would aim for cooler and dryer conditions, and we tions or relocate stocks?
will also have a requirement for cold and sub-zero
PW: Yes. Not only are the buildings being designed
stores, which increase life expectancy of unstable col-
specifically to meet our preservation goals, but the
lections. These will be an important element for each
systems will also be in place to monitor and report
site, but we aim to minimise the use of these stores
both the preservation environments and how well the
wherever possible.
buildings are performing energy-wise. This may be
The local climates in New Zealand mean that it
through the building management system or through
should be possible to use passive systems for control-
independent monitoring systems. We do anticipate
ling temperature, but with relative humidity above 80%
the collection-storage-environment requirements will
all year round there will need to be dehumidification
systems, so it won’t be possible to eliminate HVAC change over time and we expect the local climates to
[heating, ventilation and air-conditioning] systems. change too, so the buildings should have some flexi-
Earlier approaches to setting environment require- bility to accommodate this.
ments that are based on standard set points demanded Editors: How crucial is the creation of a quarantine
24/7 HVAC systems to maintain them. Our early space for the arrival of new items, or are you looking
request to the design team for the new shared reposi- to build a disinfestation chamber?
tory was to investigate what can be achieved with
passive control systems before looking to HVAC as PW: The collection reception areas are crucial, espe-
the solution. For the existing library building, we are cially when multiple businesses are bringing in collec-
using tools like the Image Permanence Institute’s tions from different sources. Items can sometimes be
Methodology for Implementing Sustainable Energy- delivered in person by the donors but, on other occa-
Saving Strategies for Collections Environments. sions, delivered from agencies by the truckload. For this
Although sustainability is a new driver, our goal is reason, a new collection reception area and dockway
to provide an optimum preservation environment for has been designed for the Wellington campus that sepa-
the collections. rates the ‘in’ and ‘out’ collection moves from all other
The specific environment requirements have not dockway functions. Activities that introduce risks or
been agreed for all collections yet. This is to some complicate the space– including facilities work, mail
extent dependent on how the general storage deliveries, contractor deliveries, rubbish storage and
274 IFLA Journal 48(2)

removal, staff end-of-trip or catering deliveries– will all New Zealand. The research will investigate how we
be restricted to a separate dockway. can better provide a connection with new audiences
The collection reception area is designed to be wel- and create a deeper understanding of what access to
coming and culturally appropriate for receiving mate- our heritage collections means for New Zealanders.
rial. It comprises a dedicated dockway and suite of
rooms and spaces to allow safe and efficient movement Theme: co-designing with iwi Māori
of collections. This includes reception areas, packaging
and boxing rooms, an out-store for items awaiting Editors: New Zealand has an international reputa-
transfer or loan, and the quarantine rooms where mate- tion for its race relations and, in particular, the bicul-
rial can be assessed and, if necessary, decontaminated tural partnership with Māori people under the 1840
before moving further into the building. Risks of con- Treaty of Waitangi. How are the Tāhuhu Programme
tamination vary; pest risks in New Zealand are low, so and the three organisations working with Māori in the
there is no need for a disinfestation chamber, although design work across the new facility?
we do have access to freezers if required. PW: I’ll pass this question directly to Hinerangi
The Tāhuhu Programme is currently planning for a Himiona, archivist and Principal Māori Advisor on
disaster-response centre in the new regional reposi- the Tāhuhu Programme, to answer.
tory, which will include a vacuum freeze dryer and
other equipment for recovering material damaged in a Hinerangi Himiona: At the time of the signing of the
disaster. This would be available if we encountered Treaty of Waitangi (6 February 1840), the iwi
large collections requiring disinfestation. (‘tribes’) living in the Wellington Harbour area origi-
nated from the Taranaki region of the North Island.
The collective name given to these iwi is Taranaki
Future of the National Library Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika (Taranaki Whānui).
Their occupation at the time and continued residence
Editors: Finally, although this issue of IFLA Journal attributes them the rights and duties of mana whenua
is focused on storage, we store our collections so they (‘traditional guardians’) of the Wellington Harbour
are available for use, and we would like to know and associated lands.
about the plans for patron access to collections. Will The life and memories of the people of Taranaki
the ability for on-site or off-site retrieval be a signif- Whānui still reside in the whenua (‘land’). In 2006, the
icant consideration for the new facilities? Crown acknowledged and issued an apology for their
PW: Access is central to the Tāhuhu Programme and leading role in the forced relocation and subsequent
an important consideration for how we store our col- dislocation of Taranaki Whānui from their home, Pipi-
lections. There will be reading rooms and access tea Pā (their traditional village). Pipitea Pā is the land
points in the Wellington campus for people to access upon which the National Library and imminent new
the holdings of all three institutions. The programme purpose-built Archives New Zealand facility will stand
is still working through all the options for appropriate for years to come. In looking forward to new and
retrieving and access models. The principles for stor- enlightened ways of working together with Māori, the
age locations mentioned earlier ensure that high-use New Zealand government, through the refurbishment
collections remain close to access points and collec- of the National Library and the new Archives New
tions stored off-site are either low use or available Zealand building, have committed to working in close
through other copies, both physical and digital. partnership with mana whenua to ensure that the mem-
Digitisation is now an important process that benefits ories, hopes and aspirations are expressed in the result-
both preservation and access. For many of the very fra- ing design of the buildings, user and staff experience,
gile or unstable materials, digitisation, combined with and delivery of services.
specialised storage, provides the best option for both. The continued development and design of the
future of Pipitea must reinstate, truly set ablaze, the
Editors: What is the user experience you imagine for
turangawaewae [a place to stand] of Te Matehou, of
this next step in development of the National Library’s
Hamua, of Puketapu and Mangatuku. No longer shall
facilities?
they be an extinguished flame, a forgotten fire, but a
PW: The Tāhuhu Programme is undertaking audience continued intergenerational flame of existence that
research, using the new heritage campus and exercises and reinstates these great nations in Well-
our online platforms as an opportunity to improve ington city, protecting our landscape and environment
overall user experience of services available across through the revitalisation and expression of our rich
the National Library, Ngā Taonga and Archives cultural narrative of ahikaa [burning fires].
 I F LA

Contemporary Material

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Identification and storage of plastics 2022, Vol. 48(2) 275–281
ª The Author(s) 2021
in libraries and archives Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023082
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Chantal Stein
Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department, New York University Libraries, USA

Jessica Pace
Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department, New York University Libraries, USA

Laura McCann
Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department, New York University Libraries, USA

Abstract
The safe storage and handling of plastic objects presents a pressing and often overlooked problem in many
library and archival collections. Plastics are notoriously difficult to care for because they can deteriorate faster
than other materials in archival collections. The so-called “malignant” plastics can also produce harmful
degradation products that damage surrounding materials, including photographs and papers. Part of the
issue is the myriad available tools for plastics identification, which can be both cumbersome and daunting.
The other is that ideal storage environments for plastics recommended in the preservation literature are often
difficult to achieve due to the accessibility needs and space constraints faced by many libraries and archives.
This article introduces a current project at New York University Libraries that evaluates existing
recommendations for the identification and housing of plastics, and provides guidelines for making scalable
housing types that support user access.

Keywords
Preservation, conservation, collection development, archival collections, special collections, rare books,
graphic materials

Introduction of malignant plastics such as polyvinyl chloride

The safe storage and handling of plastic objects (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), and rubber remains
presents a pressing and often overlooked problem to be addressed. Part of the issue is the myriad
in many library and archival collections. Plastic available tools for plastics identification, which can
objects in the collections are diverse and plentiful, be both cumbersome and daunting. The other is
ranging from artworks to banners, artifacts, photo- that ideal storage environments for plastics recom-
graph albums, and architectural drawings and mod- mended in the preservation literature are often dif-
els, to name a few (Calmes, 1991; Quimby, 2013). ficult to achieve due to the accessibility needs and
Plastics are notoriously difficult to care for because space constraints faced by many libraries and
they can deteriorate faster than other materials in archives. This article introduces a current project
archival collections. The so-called “malignant” at New York University Libraries that evaluates
plastics can also produce harmful degradation existing recommendations for the identification and
products that damage surrounding materials,
including photographs and papers (Fenn and Wil-
liams, 2018; Williams, 2002). Protocols for the pre- Corresponding author:
Jessica Pace, Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation
servation of cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose Department, New York University Libraries, LL2-31,
nitrate (CN) films and photographic negatives are 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012, USA.
well established, but the preservation of other types Email: [email protected]
276 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Table 1. List of benign and malignant polymers that are

frequently found in library and archival collections.

Common name Benign or

Polymer or abbreviation malignant

Acrylic Benign
Cellulose acetate CA Malignant
Cellulose nitrate CN Malignant
Polystyrene PS Benign
Acrylonitrile butadiene ABS Benign
styrene
Polypropylene PP Benign
Polyethylene PE Benign
Polyethylene terephthalate PETE, polyester, Benign
Mylar, Melinex
Polymethylmethacrylate PMMA Benign
Polycarbonate PC Benign
Polyvinyl acetate PVA Possibly
malignant
Polyvinyl chloride PVC Malignant
Polyurethane PUR Malignant
Polyamide PA, nylon Benign
Rubber Malignant

Figure 1. Item 092.2.0543 being used by a researcher. as these materials are frequently used for teaching,
research, and exhibition. Plastics in this collection
housing of plastics, and provides guidelines for date from the 1960s–1990s, a broad span of time
making scalable housing types that support user during which many plastic types were produced.
access.

Identification of plastics
The plastics project The term “plastic” refers to a wide variety of poly-
The plastics project at NYU Libraries’ Barbara Gold- meric materials that can be molded through heat and
smith Preservation and Conservation Department is pressure. Each plastic type is based on a different
supported by the Kress Conservation Fellowship, polymer and can be further modified through addi-
which funded the hiring of a research fellow for a tives such as plasticizers, stabilizers, colorants, and
nine-month period to study plastic objects in the fillers, among others. Today, there are over 50 differ-
David Wojnarowicz Papers MSS 092. Our goal is to ent types of basic plastic polymers and over 60,000
(1) conduct a collection condition survey; (2) evaluate different plastic formulations (Shashoua, 2001: 1).
published techniques and guidelines on plastics iden- The various polymers follow different degradation
tification; (3) identify plastics using attenuated total pathways, making the identification of plastic type
reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry of paramount importance in determining storage solu-
(ATR-FTIR);1 and (4) create housing that supports tions. A list of the benign and malignant polymers that
user access. are frequently found in library and archival collec-
The David Wojnarowicz Papers MSS 092 was tions is presented in Table 1.
selected for this project because the collection rep- Plastics can be categorized through their optical or
resents a broad range of issues facing plastic physical properties, such as appearance, hardness,
objects in libraries and archives. The multimedia density, odor, melting properties, solubility, or signs
artist and activist David Wojnarowicz used objects of visible degradation (Shashoua, 2008). Cross-
in the collection as props, models, and parts of referencing these characteristics with published tables
installations. While this collection had been pro- and workflows—such as the Plastic Identification
cessed at an item level, most of the plastic items Tool questionnaire (Cultural Heritage Agency, n.d.)
were housed in overcrowded boxes that impeded and Museum of Design in Plastics (2021) identifica-
user access (Figure 1). This presented a major issue tion route map online—or with reference samples—
Stein et al.: Identification and storage of plastics in libraries and archives 277

Figure 2. Breakdown of plastic types in the David Wojnarowicz Papers MSS 092.

such as the SamCo reference sample collection including the diphenylamine test for CN, Molisch’s
(Lagana and Keneghan, 2012) or the Plastics Group test for CA, the Beilstein test for PVC, the dimethyl
of America’s (n.d.) ResinKit—can help narrow down amino benzaldehyde test for PUR, and the lead acet-
the possibilities and is often a starting point for plas- ate test for sulfurous rubber (Odegaard et al., 2007;
tics identification. Remillard, 2007). The benefit of this type of testing is
However, this ambiguous and subjective process is that the reagents are low-cost and the tests are rela-
full of practical pitfalls and often fails to achieve tively easy to carry out. However, it requires sam-
definitive identification (Coxon, 1991). Testing how pling, an appropriate laboratory space for testing,
a material melts, or whether it sinks or floats, simply and staff trained in laboratory safety and protocols.
cannot be done on collection materials. Identifying For more definitive identification of all plastic
plastic types using smell, touch, and sound is a skill types, instrumental analysis via FTIR is the most
set that must be honed over time, using a broad range effective method. FTIR can be used to identify addi-
of reference samples, and includes downsides and tives in addition to the basic polymer, and can be
limitations. Some plastic components, especially carried out on-site with portable spectrometers, mak-
those released after combustion during a burn test, are ing it a very powerful identification tool (Shashoua,
hazardous to human health (Tsang, 2010), so odor 2008). When coupled with an ATR accessory, it can
tests cannot be recommended by the authors. Touch dramatically reduce the need for sampling. For col-
tests are nearly impossible to do while wearing lecting institutions that house large quantities of plas-
gloves, which are recommended in handling plastics tics, access to FTIR analysis is the most accurate and
to avoid the risk of contact with certain harmful—and efficient method of identification.
skin-permeable—plasticizers. As for using sound as For this project, an initial condition survey was
an identification tool, it often seems to depend more conducted on the 138 plastic objects. After experi-
on the shape of the object than its material properties. menting with various identification methods, all of
Microchemical spot tests can also be useful for the plastic objects were identified using ATR-
identification. This technique requires a small quan- FTIR and then separated into two categories:
tity of chemical reagents and a very small sample size benign and malignant. The survey data revealed
(e.g. a cut sliver of < 1 mm or residue from scraping that over half of the collection contained malig-
the object against a frosted microscope slide). A char- nant plastics, and a third of the collection specif-
acteristic reaction will indicate the presence of a spe- ically contained PVC components (Figure 2). Once
cific material. Fortunately, there are microchemical the plastics had been identified, storage strategies
spot tests to identify each of the malignant plastics, could be devised.
278 IFLA Journal 48(2)

objects that are handled regularly by users, so housing

needed to be scalable, reproducible, and easy to han-
dle. For this project, the benign plastics will be
rehoused together in standard archival boxes. These
items will be partitioned from each other and padded
with walls of rolled archival tissue covered in a sheet
of silicone-coated polyester (also known as silicone-
release Mylar or Melinex). The malignant plastics
were pulled for priority rehousing. They will be
housed according to polymer type and polymer-
specific requirements and recommendations.

CN and CA
As CN and CA degrade, they emit acidic compounds
that can harm surrounding materials. Variants in
existing protocols for the preservation of CA and
CN include cold storage to slow down degradation;
adsorbents to adsorb acidic compounds; and vented
storage to release gases (Shashoua et al., 2014;
Williams, 1994). Cold storage remains impractical for
collections that are handled regularly, and adsorbents
require frequent maintenance and replacement, so
Figure 3. The rectangle highlights plasticizer stuck to the vented storage was chosen as the most appropriate
packing tissue.
method for this collection. We selected acid-free
boxes—the same as those used for other collection
Storage materials—and modified them for increased airflow
by cutting windows into the sides and covering them
Plastics are traditionally stored in similar environ-
with nonwoven polyester spunbonded fabric (Reemay;
ments to organic materials, with relative humidity
Figure 4).
levels of 55%, the temperature at 18  C, light levels
limited to 50–300 lux, and adequate ventilation. How-
ever, this recommendation does not hold true for all PVC
plastic types, and a re-evaluation of commonly Sometimes, the most appropriate storage solutions are
accepted materials and methods for housing is neces- counterintuitive, as in the case for PVC, which makes
sary for proper care of plastics. Wrapping in buffered up one-third of the plastics in the collection. Tradi-
tissue, for example, may actually accelerate the degra- tional storage materials and methods can be very det-
dation of several common plastics (Fenn and Wil- rimental to PVC. Highly adsorbent polyethylene bags
liams, 2018). Tissue and cloth are inappropriate and vented environments can both accelerate plastici-
because plasticized objects may become sticky zer loss, the main mechanism by which PVC
(Figure 3), so storage with silicone paper or polytetra- degrades. Plasticizers make up 15%–50% of the total
fluoroethylene (Teflon) sheet is recommended weight of a PVC object (Shashoua, 2001: 13) and
instead. Plastics should be stored separately from cel- their loss can result in a brittle plastic body, a tacky
lulosic and metallic items, which can be damaged by surface, discoloration, and the onset of dehydrochlor-
off-gassing plastics (Social History Curators Group, ination—another mode of PVC deterioration (Cough-
2009). While these recommendations are a starting lin et al., 2019). Instead, it is recommended to store
point, there are no internationally accepted guidelines PVC objects in sealed, non-adsorbent containers, such
for all plastics, since polymers and degradation path- as glass containers or polyester envelopes (Shashoua,
ways vary. For example, some plastics benefit from 2001, 2003, 2008). For this project, we chose to use a
low relative humidity while others benefit from high biaxially oriented film made of polyester—specifi-
relative humidity (Shashoua, 2008). cally, polyethylene terephthalate (which is commer-
It is also important to understand the scope of the cially available as Mylar and silicone-release Mylar).
collection and its intended use before embarking on a We selected this material because it does not adsorb
storage plan. The David Wojnarowicz Papers alone, plasticizers and is able to provide a non-vented envi-
for example, includes over 100 plastic-containing ronment due to its low vapor and gas permeability. It
Stein et al.: Identification and storage of plastics in libraries and archives 279

Figure 4. Vented box for CN and CA objects.

Figure 5. An encapsulated PVC object.

is a chemically inert and dimensionally stable mate- interior sleeve of silicone-coated polyester (Figure 5).
rial that has passed the Photographic Activity Test The exterior envelopes were created using 3 mm thick
ISO 18916:2007 (International Organization for Stan- polyester sheets, which were sealed on three edges
dardization, 2007), indicating its safety for use with with a Monarch Plus Polyester Sealing Machine; the
photographs and, by extension, a broad range of col- fourth edge was to be sealed after the object was
lection materials. Lastly, polyester film is also afford- placed inside. To prevent plasticizer sticking, interior
able, readily available, and easy to seal. sleeves were created from folded silicone-coated
The PVC objects in the David Wojnarowicz Papers polyester. The PVC objects were placed into the
were encapsulated in polyester envelopes with an silicone-release sleeves, the object tags were placed
280 IFLA Journal 48(2)

between the sleeves and the exterior envelopes, and Funding

the packets were sealed shut. Because the polyester is The author disclosed receipt of the following financial sup-
transparent, the objects can be seen and handled port for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this
within their packets. The packets were designed with article: This work was supported by the Kress Conservation
extra length so that, if necessary, they can be cut open Fellowship, administered by the Foundation for Advance-
and then resealed. The flat design, along with the ment in Conservation, and funded by the Samuel H Kress
standardized sizes of the polyester sleeves, resulted Foundation.
in an efficient and easily reproducible housing model
ORCID iDs
that could be applied to collections with a large quan-
Chantal Stein https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1091-4039
tity of PVC objects.
Jessica Pace https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2047-146X
Laura McCann https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7821-3127
PUR and rubbers
The final steps of this project are to determine storage Notes
strategies for the remaining problematic plastics: PUR 1. The ATR-FTIR analysis was conducted using a Thermo
and natural and synthetic rubbers.2 Oxidation is a Scientific Nicolet iS5 FTIR Spectrometer.
major concern for both plastic types (Hatchfield, 2. We will be posting updates on our project through our
Instagram account: nyupreservation.
2002; Lovett and Eastop, 2004; Van Oosten, 2011),
so they will be housed in anoxic storage created out of References
oxygen-barrier (Escal) film and (Ageless) oxygen Calmes A (1991) Plastics found in archives. In: Grattan
scavengers. DW (ed.) Saving the Twentieth Century: The
Conservation of Modern Materials. Ottawa: Canadian
Conservation Institute, 95–102.
Conclusion Coughlin M, Kavich G, Newsome GA, et al. (2019) Exam-
The identification of plastic types remains a hurdle for ining the use of Ozone Test strips to detect PVC plastics
many libraries and archives, as the most efficient and in museums. In: Proceedings of the Objects Speciality
accurate method (ATR-FTIR) is costly and requires a Group sessions, 47th annual meeting of the American
Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
high degree of operator expertise. Published charac-
(ed. K Dodson and M Wilcop), Uncasville, USA, 12
teristics and workflows can help narrow down the
May–17 June 2019. Washington, DC: American Insti-
most probable options, and microchemical spot tests tute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
can help identify problematic plastics for specific pri- Available at: https://resources.culturalheritage.org/osg-
ority rehousing. postprints/v26/coughlin/
The storage solutions devised through this project Coxon HC (1991) Practical pitfalls in the identification of
are specifically designed to support the needs of high- plastics. In: Grattan DW (ed.) Saving the Twentieth Cen-
use collections in academic research libraries. While tury: The Conservation of Modern Materials. Ottawa:
many objects within the David Wojnarowicz Papers Canadian Conservation Institute, 395–409.
have been digitized, access to the physical object is Cultural Heritage Agency (n.d.) Plastic Identification Tool.
sometimes irreplaceable for use in teaching and Available at: https://plastic-en.tool.cultureelerfgoed.nl/
research. Our work thus far has shown that it is pos- Fenn J and Williams RS (2018) Caring for plastics and
rubbers. Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/conser
sible to produce scalable and cost-effective enclosures
vation-institute/services/preventive-conservation/guide
that are appropriate for different plastic types.
lines-collections/caring-plastics-rubbers.htm (accessed
3 October 2020).
Acknowledgements Hatchfield P (2002) Pollutants in the Museum Environ-
The authors wish to thank Joy Bloser, Lia Kramer, and ment: Practical Strategies for Problem Solving in
Taylor Healy, whose research into plastics in the David Design, Exhibition and Storage. London: Archetype.
Wojnarowicz Papers helped to inform our current project. International Organization for Standardization (2007) ISO
We are also grateful to Charlotte Priddle and Nicholas 18916:2007 Imaging Materials - Processed Imaging
Martin for their curatorial support throughout the course Materials - Photographic Activity Test for Enclosed
of this project. Materials. Geneva: ISO.
Lagana A and Keneghan B (2012) Which plastics are in my
collection? The need for a plastic reference sample
Declaration of conflicting interests collection (SamCo). In: Lavédrine B, Fournier A and
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with Martin G (eds) Preservation of Plastic Artefacts in
respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of Museum Collections. Paris: Comité des Travaux Histor-
this article. iques et Scientifiques, pp. 37–42.
Stein et al.: Identification and storage of plastics in libraries and archives 281

Lovett D and Eastop D (2004) The degradation of polyester Van Oosten T (2011) PUR Facts: Conservation of Polyur-
polyurethane: Preliminary study of 1960s foam- ethane Foam in Art and Design. Amsterdam: Amster-
laminated dresses. Studies in Conservation 49(sup. 2): dam University Press.
100–104. Williams RS (1994) Display and storage of museum
Museum of Design in Plastics (2021) Identification route objects containing cellulose nitrate. CCI Notes 15/3.
map. Available at: https://www.modip.ac.uk/projects/ Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute.
toolkit/route-map Williams RS (2002) Care of plastics: Malignant plastics.
Odegaard N, Carroll S and Zimmt WS (2007) Material Western Association for Art Conservation Newsletter
Characterization Tests for Objects of Art and Archae- 24(1): 10–15.
ology. 2nd ed. London: Archetype.
Plastics Group of America (n.d.) The ResinKit. Available
at: https://www.plasticsgroup.com/wp-content/themes/ Author biographies
deeplevel/assets/docs/resinkit.pdf
Quimby S (2013) “There’s a great future in plastics”: Main- Chantal Stein is the Samuel H Kress Conservation Fellow
streaming a special collection. Research Library Issues in plastics conservation in the Barbara Goldsmith Preserva-
283: 11–15. tion and Conservation Department at New York University
Remillard F (2007) Identification of plastics and elasto- Libraries. She received her Master of Arts in Art History
mers: Miniaturized tests. Available at: https://www. and Master of Science in the Conservation of Historic and
ccq.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/images/img_centre-ress/ Artistic Works from New York University, and her Bache-
microtest_ang.pdf (accessed 12 November 2020). lor of Arts in Fine Arts and Creative Writing from Colum-
Shashoua YR (2001) Inhibiting the deterioration of plasti-
bia University.
cized poly (vinyl chloride) - a museum perspective. PhD
Thesis, Technical University of Denmark and National
Jessica Pace is the Preventive Conservator in the Barbara
Museum of Denmark, Denmark.
Shashoua YR (2003) Effect of indoor climate on the rate and Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department at
degradation mechanism of plasticized poly (vinyl chlor- New York University Libraries. She received her Master
ide). Polymer Degradation and Stability 81(1): 29–36. of Arts in Art History and Certificate of Advanced Study in
Shashoua YR (2008) Conservation of Plastics: Materials Conservation from the Conservation Center at the Institute
Science, Degradation and Preservation. Oxford: of Fine Arts, New York University, and her Bachelor of
Elsevier. Arts in Art History and Visual Arts from Barnard College.
Shashoua YR, Schilling M and Mazurek J (2014) The She is a Professional Associate member of the American
effectiveness of conservation adsorbents at inhibiting Institute for Conservation.
degradation of cellulose acetate. In: ICOM-CC 17th tri-
ennial conference preprints (ed. J Bridgland), Mel- Laura McCann is the Interim Director of the Barbara
bourne, Australia, 15–19 September 2014, paper 1010.
Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Department at
Paris: International Council of Museums.
New York University Libraries. She has received the fol-
Social History Curators Group (2009) Object Lessons 3:
lowing degrees: a Master of Science in Library and Infor-
Plastics. Available at: http://www.shcg.org.uk/
domains/shcg.org.uk/local/media/downloads/Plastics_ mation Science from the Palmer School, Long Island
Lesson_booklet.pdf (accessed 2 October 2020). University; a Master of Arts in Paper Conservation from
Tsang J (2010) Safe handling of plastics in a museum envi- Camberwell College of Arts; and a Bachelor of Arts from
ronment. Western Association for Art Conservation Bates College. Laura is a Fellow of the American Institute
Newsletter 32(2): 16–22. for Conservation.
 I F LA

Climate and Environment

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Curation of manuscripts 2022, Vol. 48(2) 282–288
ª The Author(s) 2021
in the tropical savanna climate Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211030942
of north-eastern India journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Sudip Bhattacharjee
Department of Library and Information Science, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, India

Abstract
The tropical savanna climate of north-eastern India has special features due to the region’s alternative weather
and geographical location. There are more than 50,000 rare manuscripts stored in different manuscript
preservation centres in this region. The National Mission for Manuscripts has taken many initiatives to
preserve these manuscripts, including digitization. However, no significant changes related to the physical
condition of the manuscripts have been observed. Most of the manuscripts are deteriorating naturally due
to improper care. The process of the deterioration of manuscripts due to the effects of the environment,
weather and climate can be minimized by taking appropriate measures. This article discusses the status of the
physical condition of the manuscripts in this region along with the effects of climate and weather. It also
discusses the need for special care of the manuscripts in this geographical location with simple preventive
measures or techniques.

Keywords
Manuscript, curation, tropical savanna climate, climate, weather, north-eastern India

Introduction the deterioration of the manuscripts can be minimized

India has had a rich tradition of preserving sustainable with appropriate precautions and proper care. There
knowledge through oral and written means since are many types of appropriate precautions and proper
ancient times. The north-eastern part of India has care. They can be divided into two main categories:
among the highest diversity of cultures and traditions preventive measures and interventionist measures.
in the country, with more than 40 different indigenous Preventive measures include environmental control,
groups of people each with their own languages and care and handling, storage, pest management and
art, as well as cultures and unique living styles. There disaster readiness, whereas interventionist measures
are also huge numbers of manuscripts that have been include conservation treatment and the stabilization
written by these groups in different languages at dif- of damaged books and archives. Since preventive
ferent times. A good number of unique and valuable measures depend directly on the environment,
manuscripts from this north-eastern part of India weather and climate conditions, it is essential to
relating, for example, to art and culture, astronomy, understand the weather and climate of the particular
the Mahabharata, the Puranas, the Vadas, yoga and place where manuscripts are kept for preservation.
medicine are available for research and reference The preventive measures for such manuscripts can
purposes. be made more effective by taking proper care on the
However, these rich manuscripts are gradually basis of the climate and weather conditions.
deteriorating physically due to improper care and the
effects of the environment, weather and climate. The
major parts of north-eastern India fall under the mon- Corresponding author:
Sudip Bhattacharjee, Department of Library and Information
soon climate zone and tropical savanna climate zone. Science, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Agartala, Tripura
This climate causes the physical deterioration of (West), India.-799004.
manuscripts throughout the year, but the process of Email: [email protected]
Bhattacharjee: Curation of manuscripts in the tropical savanna climate of north-eastern India 283

Against this backdrop, this article discusses the discussed in these studies. Huq et al. (2004) discuss
physical effects of weather and climate on the manu- the mainstream adaptation to climate change in devel-
scripts and what kinds of preventive measures can be oped countries. However, the effect of the climate on
brought under consideration to preserve these manu- manuscripts cannot be observed from a review of the
scripts, particularly in the tropical savanna climate literature.
regions of the north-eastern part of India. The article The north-eastern part of India has a huge collec-
also highlights the need for special care of the manu- tion of manuscripts written by more than 40 different
scripts in this geographical location with simple pre- indigenous groups. According to a report by the
ventive techniques. This will help us to determine the National Mission for Manuscripts, this zone has more
prospects of preventive preservation in such geogra- than 50,000 manuscripts in four states (Lund, 2019;
phical areas and preserve our glorious cultural heri- Sahoo and Mohanty, 2015). These collected manu-
tage for future generations. scripts are usually stored in the manuscript research
centres in Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
However, more than 75% of the total manuscripts of
Methodology north-eastern India are stored in a tropical savanna
In order to discover the effects of weather and climate climate zone – mainly the two states of Tripura and
in the tropical savanna climate zone of north-eastern Manipur, but also some parts of Assam and Mizoram.
India, the respective places in the climate zone were Although the tropical savanna climate is one of the
visited personally from January 2019 to February major climate zones in India, due to the high altitude
2020. The primary data was collected during the per- differences and geographical location of the north-
sonal visits by recording observations on a self- eastern region, it is quite different from the rest of the
designed questionnaire and then seeking conclusions country. It is one of the rainiest regions in the country,
by comparing the results with secondary sources of with an annual precipitation of 2000 mm. The tem-
information collected from the available literature, perature varies at different altitudes and is also influ-
such as books, reports, journals and websites. Based enced by the proximity of the sea, ranging from 28 oC
on the current status of the manuscripts and the review to 38 oC. The climate of this region varies according
of the available literature, recommendations and sug- to the season and has both wet and dry seasons. Win-
gestions are proposed, which will help to provide a ter, summer and the rainy season are the three main
clear picture of the issues and challenges faced by the seasons in this area that belong to the tropical savanna
professionals in this location. climate. Floods, landslides, high humidity, high tem-
peratures and dusty weather are very common natural
phenomena.
Literature review
Weather and climate conditions in north-eastern India
The north-eastern part of India, which is also known Preservation and conservation processes
for some of the largest panhandles of land in the in north-eastern India
world, comprises eight states. This region is basically Several studies regarding the status of manuscripts
an extension of the north-eastern Himalayas, having and best practices have been conducted at different
an altitude (high-peak) range from 244 m to 8586 m times with different parameters. For this article, some
and featuring mostly hills and valleys. Its total area is significant studies in the field that focus on different
262,230 km2. According to the Köppen climate clas- aspects of manuscripts related to the objective of the
sification, the north-eastern part of India consists of study have been thoroughly reviewed. Before the 21st
four main climate zones: the oceanic subpolar cli- century, manuscripts in India were mostly being pre-
mate, humid subtropical climate, monsoon climate served and conserved in traditional ways. India has a
and tropical savanna climate. The wide range of alti- huge number of manuscripts that are stored in
tudes and different patterns of climate zones make it research institutes, archives, museums, private collec-
difficult to predict the weather in this region through- tions, collections under trust, religious institutions and
out the year. libraries. Most of the manuscripts are very unique and
There have been a number of studies related to rare (Majumdar, 2005). Since the manuscripts are
climate change and its effects on agriculture or the spread throughout the country, it is impossible to give
economic structure of a country (e.g. Mendelsohn and proper attention to all the manuscript preservation
Dinar, 1999; Mendelsohn et al., 2006). While addres- centres equally. Thus, thousands of manuscripts lie
sing agriculture or economic conditions, factors such neglected around the country. Tremendous pools of
as floods, humidity, rain and temperature are also knowledge are under threat and are disappearing at an
284 IFLA Journal 48(2)

alarming rate. In 2003, the National Mission for extra care with the preservation and conservation of
Manuscripts was established by the Department of the manuscripts in this region (Devi, 2008; Londhe
Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Govern- et al., 2011). The major characteristics of the tropical
ment of India to save this heritage of knowledge. In savanna climate zone in north-eastern India which
this respect, the necessary infrastructures, resources might affect manuscripts are as follows:
and trained personnel have been deployed to take
proper care of the manuscript collections either under 1. In the tropical savanna climate zone, high rain-
the National Mission for Manuscripts or indepen- fall is one of the main problems for the pre-
dently. With the passage of time, the digitization of servation of manuscripts. There is always the
manuscripts has become the main activity of the fear of floods. Moreover, due to the heavy rain
National Mission for Manuscripts in India (Saikia and in the monsoon season, fungi grow on paper
Kalita, 2011). From previous studies, it is clear that the and materials made of leather. Most manu-
National Mission for Manuscripts has digitized a large scripts are disappearing due to problems
number of manuscripts. In his study, Mazumdar (2009) related to the heavy rainfall.
describes the manuscript collection in Assam and high- 2. Moisture or humidity is another major problem
lights the status of digital preservation in Assam with in this area. This region witnesses high humid-
reference to the Krishna Kanta Handique Central ity levels (85% or above on average) and so the
Library at Gauhati University. From the 15th annual growth of organisms such as mould or fungi is
report of the National Mission for Manuscripts, it is very common. High humidity influences the
observed that emphasis has been placed on the digiti- growth of fungi on materials made of cloth and
zation of manuscripts in most of the northern and cen- leather (Mazumdar, 2009).
tral parts of India. Sahoo and Mohanty (2015) highlight 3. The north-eastern region is very close to the
the status of the digitization of manuscripts throughout Tropic of Cancer and thus usually experiences
India by state. There is no doubt that the digitization of high temperatures – between 10 oC and 25 oC
manuscripts is the need of the hour. If we fail to pre- in winter, and 28 oC and 38 oC in summer.
serve the original manuscripts themselves, we will fail High temperatures cause the deterioration of
to safeguard a rich heritage for our future generations. manuscripts mainly during the summer season,
It is estimated that India possesses more than five leading to fading, the weakening of leather,
million manuscripts. Sarma (2007) discusses the var- discoloration and the yellowing of paper.
ious kinds of materials that were widely used in India, 4. This region suffers from the further effects of
including the north-eastern part of India. Before the drought during the winter season. Conse-
development of writing paper, manuscripts were quently, there is an increase in dust particles
mostly written on the long and sturdy leaves of the during such periods. These dust particles are
palm tree, tree bark, banana leaves or pieces of wood. another cause of the deterioration of the manu-
Devi (2008) describes the importance of the preserva- scripts. Since dust particles also attract moist-
tion of the Manipur manuscripts and emphasizes their ure and act as a catalyst by increasing chemical
proper care for future reference. Gaur and Chakra- reactions, they contribute in destroying the
borty (2009) assert that the history of Indian culture material of manuscripts.
lies in these manuscripts, which have great research
value and represent basic historical evidence. How-
ever, due to the lack of adequate human resources and Current status of manuscripts
funds, the physical condition of these rare and unique The manuscript research centres at the Manipur State
manuscripts is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Archives, Manipur University, and Tripura Univer-
sity, and other manuscript preservation centres at Gur-
ucharan College (GC College), Assam, and Maharaja
Effects of the climate on manuscripts in north-eastern Bir Bikram College (MBB College), Tripura, were
India visited personally in order to obtain a clear picture
Since most of the manuscripts are kept in a tropical of the status of the manuscripts. These four preserva-
savanna climate, it is necessary to find out the effects tion centres are located in the tropical savanna climate
of this climate on the manuscripts. Although the tro- zone of north-eastern India. The current status of the
pical savanna climate is one of the major climate manuscripts in this area is discussed below.
zones in India, the differences in altitude and its geo- It was found that Manipur State Archives and the
graphical location make the north-eastern area differ- archives at Tripura University preserve various types
ent from the rest of India. Thus, it is essential to take of materials in their archives (Table 1). Among these
Bhattacharjee: Curation of manuscripts in the tropical savanna climate of north-eastern India 285

Table 1. Types of materials present in the archive centres.

Palm leaves Tree bark Wood Bamboo Metal Paper Animal skins

GC College P x x x x P x
Manipur State Archives P x P P P P P
Tripura University P P P P P P x
MBB College P x x x x P x

Table 2. Condition of materials at the archive centres.

Type Condition Remark

Palm leaves Not good Dusty and not properly maintained

Tree bark Not good Some are damaged due to fungi attacks
Wood Good No recent damage observed, but need to be kept in a safe place as most are kept
on the floor at Manipur State Archives and Tripura University
Bamboo Not good Improve shelving, getting discoloured
Metal Good No recent damage observed, but need to be kept in a safe place as most are kept
on the floor at Manipur State Archives and Tripura University
Paper Not good Becoming faded and discoloured; no proper pest control
Animal skins Not good Becoming damaged due to fungi growth

materials, palm leaves, wood, bamboo, light metal, carried out in these archives. The manuscripts pre-
paper and animal skins are preserved most frequently. served at GC College and MBB College are the worst
The other archive centres at GC College and MBB when compared with the two other manuscript research
College preserve materials mostly made from palm centres.
leaves and paper. The infrastructure of an organization plays a very
Further investigations were made to establish the important role in the preservation and conservation of
physical condition of the various kinds of manuscripts manuscripts. The manuscript preservation centres are
at these centres (Table 2). It was found that most of lacking modern physical facilities and infrastructures.
the materials are not in a good condition. The manu- There are no air-conditioning systems at these storage
scripts made from palm leaves, wood, bamboo, etc. places and it seems that no proper care has been taken
are basically stored by merely wrapping them in a red to preserve the heritage items artificially (details are
piece of cloth and placing them on open shelves. In shown in Table 3). Even when present, the ventilation
the Tripura University archives, palm leaves and tree systems are not up to the mark in any of the four main
bark are stored in a dusty environment and no proper centres. There is a need to repair windows and install
maintenance is observed. proper ventilation and lighting systems. It seems that
Most of the ancient and rare manuscripts are fans and LED or tube lights are used in all of the
becoming damaged due to insect and mould attacks. centres most of the time, which shortens the life of
The condition of other manuscripts made from bamboo manuscripts. The tropical savanna climate of north-
and paper is also poor. The paper materials are becom- eastern India also brings with it a lot of challenges for
ing discoloured, yellowing or fading. Most of the pages the manuscripts due to its changeability. It is therefore
of the rare paper manuscripts are also being eaten by necessary to pay more attention to the preservation of
insects. The materials made from wood or metal are in manuscripts in such a climate.
a comparatively good state. Most of these manuscripts Trained archivists are essential to ensure that pre-
are kept on the floor at the Manipur State Archives and servation efforts are effective. However, it was found
the archives at Tripura University. It was also observed that there was only one trained archivist at the
that manuscripts made from animal skins are kept in Manipur State Archives and archives at Tripura Uni-
the collection (but they are few in number). The con- versity, and no trained personnel at GC College or
dition of such materials is also not very good as they MBB College (see Table 4). Since the collections of
are becoming damaged due to the growth of fungi or the Manipur State Archives are scattered in different
mould. Irregular maintenance is the main cause of this. locations, more trained personnel are needed. It was
Moreover, it was observed that no proper cleaning is also found that each year trained professionals are
286 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Table 3. Infrastructure and facilities at the archive centres.

Air Windows with sun Low-beam Humidity

conditioning Fans Heaters protection lights control

GC College x P x x x x
Manipur State x P x x P x
Archives
Tripura University x P x x P x
MBB College x P x x x x

Table 4. Status of human resources at the archive centres. Temperature and relative humidity
Other personnel Organic matter gains and loses water with increases
Trained (related to the and decreases in relative humidity (Adcock, 1986).
archivists archive centre) The tropical savanna climate zone of north-eastern
India is a high humidity zone with an average humid-
GC College 0 2
Manipur State Archives 1 4
ity of 85% (ranging from 70% to 97%) throughout the
Tripura University 1 3 year. The best way is to develop a special chamber (an
MBB College 0 2 area the size of a large room) which can solve the
problem of moisture and temperature control. This
special chamber must be fitted with a temperature and
brought in from outside the institutions for the pre- humidity control system. However, the development
servation of documents. of such a chamber for manuscripts would be a costly
task. Adequate funding from the government is there-
fore essential to develop such a chamber. The govern-
Recommendations and suggestions ment must take the necessary steps. In humid parts of
the world, where the relative humidity does not fall
Although the National Mission for Manuscripts has below 65% throughout the year, institutions are air-
introduced various initiatives to preserve manuscripts, conditioned day and night all year round at great cost
there is a need to protect these manuscripts in other (Adcock, 1986). A simple and cost-effective method
ways, particularly when dealing with the tropical would be the use of heaters and fans in such rooms,
savanna climate zone of north-eastern India. Many which would control the humidity and could be a
things can be done to protect manuscripts and slow simple solution if there are financial constraints
down the deterioration process by taking proper care (Devi, 2008). Although this system may not be an
and using simple technology. effective solution, it may serve as a precautionary
measure in places where there are fewer manuscripts
(such as GC College and MBB College).
Light
The tropical savanna climate zone of north-eastern Pest control
India lies very close to the Tropic of Cancer and there High humidity also influences the growth of fungi on
is thus the impact of direct sunlight and always an materials made of cloth and leather (Mazumdar,
increase in temperature during the day (Sahoo and 2009). Manuscripts can be preserved by making a
Mohanty, 2015), and changing climate conditions. container, which might be the size of a large box,
Extra care is therefore essential. The best and most where 10 to 40 manuscripts, depending on their type
simple way to protect the manuscripts is to develop and size, can be stored. The box must be developed in
special windows with ultraviolet-light protection at such a way that the moisture levels can be controlled,
the storage facilities. Another precautionary measure with a range between 50% and 55%, along with the
would be the development of closed cartons to protect temperature (Williams, 2006). This will reduce the
rare materials and avoid exposure to direct or indirect deterioration process of the manuscripts. Another
sunlight or other kinds of (artificial) light sources. simple technique would be to wrap the manuscripts
This will decrease any kind of thermal chemical reac- in a plastic-material and create a vacuum so that no
tions in the materials of the manuscripts. microorganisms can grow on the manuscripts (Huq
Bhattacharjee: Curation of manuscripts in the tropical savanna climate of north-eastern India 287

et al., 2004). Manuscripts made from animal skin storage chambers or small box-sized chambers may
must be kept at a lower humidity so that fungal growth be a solution to overcome the problems of moisture
can be stopped. Further, they must be kept away from and temperature control. Moreover, changes are
water. needed in the national manuscript preservation policy
of India, taking into consideration the climate condi-
Storage tions of a particular location. If the recommendations
and suggestions detailed in this article are implemen-
The tropical savanna climate zone of north-eastern
ted, many of the problems of the preservation of
India experiences problems with dust during the win-
manuscripts may be solved, especially in the tropical
ter. For day-to-day housekeeping operations, the
savanna climate zone of north-eastern India.
manuscripts should be properly covered with cloths
or other materials so that dust particles do not cause
Declaration of conflicting interests
any kind of damage to the manuscripts.
The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with
respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this
Cleaning article.
Manuscripts must be cleaned with a soft brush (Men-
delsohn et al., 2006). It is also preferable to use a Funding
vacuum cleaner specifically designed for this purpose The author received no financial support for the research,
and for large-scale cleaning projects at manuscript authorship and/or publication of this article.
centres.
ORCID iD
Digitization Sudip Bhattacharjee https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7369-
Humans are also considered to be enemies of manu- 3544
scripts. They generally use these items for knowledge
or research purposes, but, with use, the manuscripts’ References
longevity may decrease unless they are handled with Adcock E P (1998) IFLA principles for the care and han-
due care. The digitization of manuscripts is one of the dling of library material. Washington, DC: International
best solutions to spare them from the human touch. Federation of Library Associations and Institutions,
Core Programme on Preservation and Conservation and
Council on Library and Information Resources.
Trained personnel Arnfield AJ (n.d.) Köppen climate classification: Climatol-
Trained and adequate human resources are essential ogy. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available at: https://
for taking proper care of manuscripts. Staff members www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classifica
should be given proper training so that they are able to tion (accessed 21 August 2020).
handle manuscripts with due care. Devi TS (2008) Impact of information technology on the
societal archive: A case study of Manipuri manuscripts.
International Information and Library Review 40(3):
Conclusion 179–184.
Gaur RC and Chakraborty M (2009) Preservation and
There is an urgent need to improve the condition of access to Indian manuscripts: A knowledge base of
the manuscripts in the manuscript research centres in Indian cultural heritage resources for academic libraries.
north-eastern India. Proper care must be taken to save In: International conference on academic libraries
these heritage materials. Although digitization pro- (ICAL-2009), Delhi, India, 5–8 October 2009. New Delhi:
cesses are proceeding as part of the project of the ICAL, pp. 90–98.
National Mission for Manuscripts, the preservation Huq S, Reid H, Konate M, et al. (2004) Mainstreaming
of manuscripts against natural deterioration is equally adaptation to climate change in least developed coun-
important. The preservation techniques that are dis- tries (LDCs). Climate Policy 4(1): 25–43.
Londhe NL, Sanjay KD and Suresh KP (2011) Develop-
cussed in this article may be implemented in practice
ment of a digital library of manuscripts: A case study at
to bring changes to save our rich heritage. Thus, in
the University of Pune, India. Program 45(2): 135–148.
order to establish the rate of deterioration of manu- Lund B (2019) Barriers to ideal transfer of climate change
scripts in different climate conditions, a separate information in developing nations. IFLA Journal 45(4):
study could be conducted to give a clear picture and 334–343.
measure the process of deterioration. The preserva- Majumdar S (2005) Preservation and conservation of lit-
tion of manuscripts are affected due to less trained erary heritage: A case study of India. International
personnel in this location. The development of large Information and Library Review 37(3): 179–187.
288 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Mazumdar NR (2009) Digital preservation of rare manu- Williams A (2006) Manuscripts Worldwide and
scripts in Assam. In: 7th international CALIBER, Digitazation. Asian Journal of Information Science
Puducherry, India, 25–27 February 2009. Puducherry: 11(1): 21–29.
INFLIBNET Centre, pp. 14–19.
Mendelsohn R and Dinar A (1999) Climate change, agri-
culture, and developing countries: Does adaptation mat-
Author biography
ter? World Bank Research Observer 14(2): 277–293.
Mendelsohn R, Dinar A and Williams L (2006) The dis- Sudip Bhattacharjee has been working as an Assistant
tributional impact of climate change on rich and poor Professor and In-charge of the Department of Library and
countries. Environment and Development Economics Information Science, Maharaja Bir Bikram University (A
11(2): 159–178. State University), Agartala, Tripura, India. He has
Sahoo J and Mohanty B (2015) Digitization of Indian obtained PGDCA from MCNUJC, Bhopal and PGEMP
manuscripts heritage: Role of the National Mission for from BVB, Bangalore, India respectively. Before joining
Manuscripts. IFLA Journal 41(3): 237–250.
to Maharaja Bir Bikram University, he was working as
Saikia RR and and Kalita B (2011) Prospects of digitizing
Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and
manuscript collections in KKH library: a model. In: 8th
International CALIBER, Goa University, March 2-4. Information Science and Librarian (i/c), Central Library,
Goa: INFLIBNET Centre, pp. 312. ICFAI University, Tripura, India. He has a teaching expe-
Sarma K V (2007) Manuscripts of India. In New Lights on rience more than 8 years and professional experience 4
Manuscriptology: A Collection of Articles of Prof. K.V. years.
Sarma. Chennai: Sree Sarada Education Society.
 I F LA

Climate and Environment

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Preservation storage in a flood 2022, Vol. 48(2) 289–292
ª The Author(s) 2021
damage mitigation effort at Article reuse guidelines:
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DOI: 10.1177/03400352211037703
the National Library of France journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Céline Allain
Department of Conservation, National Library of France, France

Sophie Guérinot
Arsenal Library, National Library of France, France

Abstract
During a flood alert, the decision to evacuate a threatened collection of a library is an important one. If not
thought out carefully, a hastily executed move can expose valuable collections to unforeseen threats. Although
floods are usually slow to develop in Paris, the decision to make a preventive evacuation must be taken at the
appropriate moment, considering the time needed for the relocation, the reality of the threat and the need for
service continuity. In the context of its flood protection plan, the National Library of France has conceived a
box model that contributes to saving time in case of a flood and prevents damage during an evacuation.
Combining accessibility to documents with security requirements, this model can be implemented in
different contexts.

Keywords
Preservation, conservation, collection development, cultural heritage management, principles of library and
information science, special collections, rare books

Introduction became national and public. The sumptuous interiors

The increasing number and intensity of natural disas- of the apartments from the 17th and 18th centuries
ters, likely related to climate change, is affecting coun- are partly classified as a historic monument. In the
tries all over the world. In 2016 and 2018, severe floods 1960s, the basement was the only place where a
affected the city of Paris in France, where the river rose repository could be accommodated. Three linear
to a level that occurs every 20 years. The National kilometres of precious documents are still kept in
Library of France has established the vulnerability of this repository. According to the Plan for Flood Risk
its Plan de protection contre les inondations (PPCI) for Prevention, this repository could be prone to flood-
each site, as requested by the Plan de Prévention des ing from the river overflowing or rising groundwater
risques d’inondation (PPRI) of Paris for public service tables. Although the basement has no specific pro-
organizations situated on the floodplain. tection, there is no record of a flood in 1982 when the
The Arsenal Library, one of the National water level reached 33.5 metres above the Ordnance
Library’s Parisian sites, is situated next to the former Datum Newlyn.
island Louviers, close to the banks of the river Seine. Due to its imbricated history with the building, the
Since its origin, the library has been located in the collection has to be kept on-site. A solution has been
H ôtel du Grand Maı̂tre de l’Artillerie, a historic
building dating from the 17th century. The core of
the collection encompasses the personal library of
Corresponding author:
the Marquis de Paulmy (approximately 80,000 items Céline Allain, National Library of France, Quai François-Mauriac,
when he died in 1788), which was considerably Paris 75013, France.
extended during the Revolution when the library Email: [email protected]
290 IFLA Journal 48(2)

found to facilitate its relocation and preserve it from In a complex situation fraught with many uncer-
flooding. tainties and obstacles, the evacuation plan has been
based on self-organization, giving preference to the
relocation of the collections in the upper storeys of the
Background building. The 3.5 linear kilometres of collections in
The collection of printed heritage kept in the base- the basement should be moved in 72 hours under the
ment of the Arsenal site is at the core of this library, most suitable conditions for the documents. The fea-
together with the manuscripts and rare book collec- sibility of this scenario has been strengthened by the
tions kept in the upper levels of the building. The installation of a water sensor in the basement of the
printed heritage collection represents almost half of building and a power generator.
the books that are consulted daily at the Arsenal
Library.
Managing this collection poses two significant Results
challenges: housing its 7 linear kilometres while at
the same time fully respecting its coherence and The decision to evacuate a threatened collection of
avoiding its splitting. Two repositories have been 3.5 linear kilometres of books is an important one.
fitted out to house it, one on the ground floor and the If not thought through carefully, a hasty evacuation
other in the basement, and they are connected by an could expose valuable collections to unforeseen
internal staircase. Mobile shelving increased the threats. Looking for a long-term solution, the chal-
capacity of storage up to 3.5 linear kilometres per lenge was to accommodate security requirements and
floor. To optimize the space, intermediate shelves the need for accessibility to the collections. The box-
have been placed according to the four sizes of doc- ing up of the collections was intended to facilitate
uments. As a consequence of densification in a nar- their evacuation and prevent damage during the mul-
row space, the width of the aisles is quite narrow, tiple operations of extraction, relocation and return of
creating more challenging conditions for the evacua- the collections to their original location. It was con-
tion of threatened collections. ceived to facilitate intermediate storage in remote
A flood protection plan should demonstrate to the locations for several weeks.
administrative authorities the achievement of a diag- The repository in the basement is conventional for
nosis of vulnerability and the development of an a library, where the holdings, mainly comprising
action plan. Such a plan presents a description of the standard-format books (quartos and octavos), are kept
organization and the means, which after various stud- on shelves that are 1 metre in length. The homogene-
ies and adjustments have demonstrated their practical ity of the materials allowed for the idea of gathering
effectiveness. the documents in large units. These units are large
The propagation of the flood wave in Paris is con- four-sided boxes. In order to reduce the weight of the
sidered to be slow. The average 10-day flood lead boxes and facilitate handling during an evacuation,
time (the time between the announcement of a flood the content of each shelf has been distributed between
and its arrival) is used to complete preparations and two boxes.
check the position of equipment and the availability The homogeneity of formats is only relative, and
of staff or external companies. Even though flood differences of height had to be considered to avoid a
rates vary, it has been established that a major flood complete readjustment of the position of the shelves.
in Paris is foreseeable 3 days in advance, giving Accommodating this situation and financial matters,
72 hours to remove collections from areas that are four sizes of boxes have been designed. Foldable
at risk. One of the important side effects of a flood crates have been considered more convenient for
in Paris is a power shortage. This risk is already well oversized or heavy items. These are stored on-site and
mapped and it has been clearly established that the would be filled up during the alert phase.
district where the Arsenal Library is located is prone The boxes are made of cardboard in compliance
to power shortages. This would affect fundamental with the French standard NF Z40-014 (Association
security and safety functions in the library before the Française de Normalisation, 2005), which specifies
water reached the basement. As a consequence, the the requirements for boxes and file covers, made of
transfer of the collections should be completed prior cellulosic material, to be used for the long-term stor-
to a degradation of operational conditions due to a age of documents on paper or parchment: a pH
possible power shortage. Furthermore, streets may not between 6 and 9.5; a target kappa number below 5;
be passable because they are either flooded or have an alkaline reserve of 2% weight by weight; and paper
been requisitioned by the local authorities. and board should be subjected to a series of tests of
Allain and Guérinot: Preservation storage in a flood damage mitigation effort at the National Library of France 291

migration, with no resulting fluorescence on the wath- 4953 boxes in place, 2402 linear metres of printed
man paper or any transfer of colour. books and 2890 shelves have been moved. It required
The board selected is a solid board with a thick- adjustments on the ground and took several months
ness of 13 millimetres. Its density is higher than 7. for the local team to install 892 boxes for 430 linear
The construction of the boxes is done by riveting. metres of collections. This was carried out in addition
The number of rivets is calculated to strengthen the to their regular duties. When faced with this huge
boxes. The rivets have been placed on the outer face task, it was decided to hire a specialized moving com-
of the boxes to avoid any risk of abrasion when doc- pany. Four full-time employees were dedicated to
uments are fetched for readers. It was important to rehousing the collections in the boxes over the course
achieve the best conditions for accessibility. To of a month. However, the supervision by library
avoid any additional manipulation for the staff when staff and the updating of the signage was still time-
fetching books, the front faces of the boxes are left consuming.
open. During evacuation, the boxes would be turned Despite every effort to have the boxes fit the dif-
face up so that the books are oriented with their front ferent heights of the documents, adjustments were
edges towards the bottom of the box. Lids would be needed, resulting in a loss of space. In the end, three
put on the boxes during the evacuation phase. The rows of stacks have been lost due to the thickness of
lids are made of extruded polypropylene of 550 the boxes, where the documents were already
grammes per square metre. They provide rigidity and arranged tightly.
solidity for the boxes, permitting them to be stacked Although the basement was not threatened during
during temporary storage in a remote location. The the 2016 and 2018 floods, we took the opportunity to
lids are kept on-site so that they are immediately test the system and two evacuation scenarios, involv-
available. ing either the library staff or a moving company. The
The traceability of collections is crucial in an eva- conclusion was that the evacuation of the two lowest
cuation phase in order to identify any possible losses shelves requires a full day. Extrapolating, we deduced
and, after the crisis, to enable a rapid return of the that the repository could be moved out entirely in a
collections to their initial location. For this purpose, maximum of five working days. This amount of time
all of the boxes have been labelled with an identifica- could reasonably be reduced to a total of 48 hours
tion number. A call number is inappropriate for use in with a continuous working session.
an emergency situation. Instead, the identification
number of a box is a combination of characters relat-
ing to the location of the box in the repository. This
Conclusion
number combines the size of the item, the name of the
fonds, the number of the row of stacks and the number By avoiding the individual retrieval of items and
of the intermediate shelf. The identification numbers reboxing during an alert phase, valuable time is
of the boxes are part of an overall system that com- gained in an emergency situation and the risks for
bines the layout of the repository, mapping the hold- holdings are reduced. Offering a range of possibilities
ings in their original place, and a list of the shelf when faced with a difficult decision, these new types
numbers. of boxes were the best option to secure the collections
These types of boxes and the traceability method against a slim risk with possibly devastating conse-
are combined in a system that works as a whole. The quences, and maintain the integrity of the collections
system is intended to permit an evacuation of the hold- in their historical context.
ings in no particular order. It allows for the arrange- The box model is the logical outcome of a com-
ment of the collections in remote locations according prehensive preservation strategy based on a risk
to the physical constraints of the room. Their return to assessment. As a result of a compromise between
their original place is facilitated, with no possibility for accessibility and preservation, the type of box used for
error. As a result, the task of relocation could be given the Arsenal site of the National Library is designed for
to an outside company under the supervision of librar- durability and long-term conservation, allowing easy
ians. This system allows for any possible rearrange- access for delivery to the public and routine inspection.
ment of the repository in the future. Reducing the handling of objects to a strict minimum,
this type of box represents a simple and efficient way to
facilitate the movement of objects. This type of boxes
Discussion was first designed in the context of a flood protection.
The installation of this new system has been a long They also facilitate the movement of library collections
process and involved a lot of logistics. To put the and provide a protection for a set of items in case of
292 IFLA Journal 48(2)

leakage. As such, the box model is a more sustainable et de bibliothèques. NF Z40-011. Paris: Association
and cost-efficient solution than individual boxes. Française de Normalisation.

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with Author biographies
respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this Céline Allain is the coordinator of the Emergency Prepa-
article. redness Plan at the National Library of France since 2013.
Funding She served as project leader at the ISO technical committee
for the drafting of ISO 21110 Emergency preparedness and
The authors received no financial support for the research,
response for museum, archives and libraries, published in
authorship and/or publication of this article.
2019.
ORCID iD
Céline Allain https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5148-578X Sophie Guérinot joined the National Library of France in
2005. She is Senior Curator and Head of the preservation
Reference and conservation unit at the Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal. She
Association Française de Normalisation (2005) Méthode holds a doctorate in Early modern history from the
d’évaluation de l’état physique des fonds d’archives Sorbonne.
 I F LA

Storage and Access to Physical Collection

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage 2022, Vol. 48(2) 293–306
ª The Author(s) 2021
solutions at the British Library Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023787
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Paulina Kralka
The British Library, UK

Marya Muzart
The British Library, UK

Abstract
The British Library’s Stein collection contains about 14,000 scrolls, fragments and booklets in Chinese from a
cave in the Buddhist Mogao Caves complex near Dunhuang in north-west China. This article describes
storage and access solutions for the collection in the context of a busy research library and the currently
ongoing Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Digitisation project. The article presents the various technical and
organisational challenges that its rehousing presents to the library conservators. Restricted by the existing
storage facilities, budget limitations and tight project deadlines, the conservators must provide housing that is
adequate for the scroll format, is practical and prevents dissociation, but is also cost- and time-effective. With
the best storage practice in mind, they have developed original solutions, balancing the specific housing
requirements and constraints. These storage solutions allow the conservators to ensure the long-term
safety and accessibility of the collection while laying down a foundation of standardisation that will ensure
a homogeneity of approaches for future projects.

Keywords
Scroll, storage, Dunhuang, Central Asia, conservation, paper

Introduction Due to its large size and the fragile nature of the
The British Library’s Stein collection contains over materials, proper storage of the collection is an
45,000 items from Central Asia, of which approxi- ongoing challenge for the British Library’s curators
mately 14,000 are manuscripts in Chinese from a and conservators, as evidenced by the many different
small cave in the Buddhist Mogao Caves complex solutions implemented over the past few decades. As
near Dunhuang in north-west China. The so-called our understanding of their impact on the collection’s
Library Cave (Cave 17) in Dunhuang, discovered in long-term preservation grows and the conservation
1900, has been home to tens of thousands of docu- work progresses, we strive to adapt our approaches
ments, paintings and other artefacts dating from the to address the issues which have arisen and success-
late 4th to the beginning of the 11th century. The fully balance the specific housing requirements with
British Library’s collection, relocated from the British institutional budgeting and logistic constraints. Cur-
Museum on the establishment of the Library in 1973, rently, due to limited financial and human resources,
encompasses around 6,000 complete Chinese scrolls there is no systematic rehousing project. All works are
and close to 8,000 smaller scroll fragments (Lawson carried out alongside the Lotus Sutra Manuscripts
and Barnard, 1996: 7). This article describes storage Digitisation project, and the rehousing of items that
and access solutions for the collection in the context
of a busy research library, as well as the current
Corresponding author:
ongoing Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Digitisation project, Paulina Kralka, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London,
which aims to conserve and digitise almost 800 cop- NW1 2DB, UK.
ies of the Lotus Sutra from the Stein collection.1 Email: [email protected]
294 IFLA Journal 48(2)

have undergone conservation and digitisation is an creasing, and at risk of further mechanical damage
integral part of the project. We aim to lay down a when handled.
solid foundation of adequate and standardised solu- As pointed out by Chongrun (2007: 110), the Dun-
tions that will ensure homogeneous storage across the huang scrolls usually have rollers of a very small
collection and a continuous availability of the same diameter or lack them altogether, which in many cases
methods for future projects. has resulted in the manuscripts being easily pressed
This article outlines the various technical and orga- flat, leading to cracking of the paper support. Expe-
nisational challenges that this task presents. We dis- rience shows that doubling the rolling diameter sig-
cuss essential housing considerations such as the nificantly decreases the risk of scrolls developing
characteristics and specific needs of the collection, creases and cracks (Winter, 2008: 160). Conservators
and existing storage methods and facilities, as well at the National Library of China recommend the use
as accessibility, cost and sustainability factors that of 4–5 cm diameter rollers as optimal for reducing
impact our decision-making process, and alternative stress in Dunhuang scroll manuscripts (Chongrun,
practical solutions. The final designs that are pre- 2007: 110–111). In Japan, this is achieved with a
sented in this article are a result of our thorough wooden clamp known as futomaki (太巻), which
understanding of existing storage issues that had to encloses the original roller. Rolling around a core has
be addressed. They took shape over many months of the added benefit of providing scrolls with good sup-
experimentation with different techniques and materi- port and facilitates their handling. These views are
als. Under normal circumstances, these would have shared by authors such as Chongrun (2007), Hare
been incorporated into our day-to-day project work- (2006), Hare and Shintani (2015a, 2015b), Hamill
flow, but the COVID-19 pandemic and our subse- (2017), Smith (2011: 58, 80) and Wakeling (2019).
quent inability to access the conservation studio for Since futomaki are not easily available in the west-
many months led us to investigate and research dif- ern hemisphere, different authors propose various
ferent possible ideas. As a result, the original storage cost-effective alternative solutions using more readily
methods we have developed successfully balance the available, modern conservation materials. Hare and
above-mentioned requirements and constraints. In the Shintani (2015a, 2015b) give detailed instructions
spirit of sharing skills, we hope that colleagues on making a futomaki-style roller out of Melinex and
around the world will find this helpful. double-sided tape or just by using Ethafoam, which is
intended to increase the rolling diameter for storage
while also accommodating the original rod.2 A Meli-
nex roller can easily be made to custom diameters,
Literature review
and the finished product containing the collection
There is a considerable body of existing literature in item can then be housed in a box with a hammock-
English discussing the damage mechanisms and stor- style support made of Volara.3 In the case of an Etha-
age of collection items in handscroll format. The most foam roller, a channel to house the original rod is
important contributions are discussed below. carved out of the foam and covered in a stockinette.
Winter (2008) dedicates a whole chapter to the According to the authors, this solution is recom-
mechanical deterioration of scrolls. He describes the mended for larger-sized items measuring approxi-
stress imposed on handscrolls upon unrolling and mately 0.9 m (3 ft) or more in width. This second
rerolling, which leads to the development of irregular approach is successfully followed by Williams
longitudinal creases that are especially prominent near (2018), who describes an Ethafoam futomaki-style
the beginning of the scroll. These may progress fur- roller finished with a covering of soft-grade Tyvek
ther, causing the support to crack and split (Winter, that was made for storing a large 18th-century map.4
2008: 135). Because they are usually very long, Hamill (2017) discusses the use of tubes for the
handscrolls are typically not fully unrolled all at once, storage of sizeable items such as maps, posters and
but examined one small section at a time (no more architectural drawings to increase the rolling diameter,
than a metre long). This requires readers to temporar- therefore distributing weight more evenly and provid-
ily roll up the scroll as they progress and, conse- ing firm support. The use of acid-free, buffered
quently, leaves the unsupported right-hand part at archival-grade tubes is preferred. However, she also
risk of being crushed if held too tightly. As a result considers the use of non-archival tubes if a barrier
of excessive squeezing, scrolls can become distorted layer is used in between the item and the tube. After
and develop horizontal creases (Winter, 2008: 135). rolling, an outer layer composed of sturdy archival
Moreover, scrolls that are rolled tightly around a slen- paper and/or polyester film is added for light and dust
der rod tend to be more prone to overt tension and protection. Reppert Gerber (2016) investigates the use
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 295

of standard cardboard postal tubes for rolled storage 2007: 111; Hare, 2006: 78–79; Smith, 2011: 69), for
as a cost-effective alternative to expensive archival- they offer good protection from pests and pollutants,
grade tubes. A barrier layer of Melinex between the creating a stable microclimate that minimises the neg-
postal tube and the collection item is applied and ative impact of atmospheric changes. Some authors
secured using polyester double-sided tape. This mention archival-grade card boxes as a cost-effective
modification resulted in saving 90% of the cost tradi- alternative to wooden boxes. Hare (2015) describes a
tionally spent on archival-grade tubes. All of the solution using an acid-free corrugated board with fall-
above-mentioned solutions have been considered for down ends to facilitate removing and replacing the
the storage of scrolls in the Stein collection. scroll, as well as Volara sheeting to further support
Winter (2008) also discusses the impact of envi- it while stored. Smith (2011: 69, 74) points out that
ronmental factors on scroll preservation. The response rigid boxes can be stacked for a more efficient use of
to changes in relative humidity depends on the type storage space, which is an important consideration for
and composition of the paper support, as well as the many institutions. If scrolls are stored unboxed, she
presence of sizing and/or backing layers. While fluc- recommends utilising foam supports to help distribute
tuations may result in shape changes, cracking or their weight more evenly and avoid damage. Zhiqing
even detaching due to excessive stress – especially (2007: 11) describes the use of cabinets made of
in laminated areas such as mountings, joints and lin- nanmu wood at the National Library of China, which
ings – a sudden drop in relative humidity can lead to were implemented for the storage of Dunhuang mate-
considerable shrinkage and mechanical damage (Win- rial in 2004. Each cabinet contains 120 equal camphor
ter, 2008: 167–168). For their East Asian paintings wood cases equipped with axles and grooves for the
collection, the Freer and Sackler Galleries in secure housing of individual scrolls. Hare (2006: 77–
Washington, DC, aim for display and storage condi- 78) and Smith (2011: 76) describe an optimal ‘multi-
tions of 50% +/− 5% relative humidity and 20–22 °C layered’ housing system consisting of four distinct
+/− 2 °C. However, Hare (2006: 74) notes that a range layers: a wrapper (Layer 1), boxes (Layer 2), cases,
of 50%–60% relative humidity and 18–22 °C is more drawers or shelves (Layer 3), and, finally, a closed
common among East Asian collections. This range of climate-controlled storage room (Layer 4).
relative humidity is also implemented at the National
Library of China, specifically for the storage of Dun-
Storage considerations
huang manuscripts (Chongrun, 2007: 111).
Humidity variations can be buffered with some The British Library’s Stein collection: size and formats
storage solutions, such as Japanese paulownia wood As mentioned in the introduction, the British
boxes or pouches and scroll bags made from fabric Library’s Stein collection is an incredibly rich body
(Winter, 2008: 167–168). Hare (2006: 78) argues that of textual material, of which about 14,000 items alone
Oddy testing has shown that Asian woods used for are manuscripts in Chinese that were excavated from
storage (paulownia, Japanese cedar, ebony, rosewood) a single site in Dunhuang. While the conservation and
have the potential to off-gas and show signs of being rehousing work on the collection has been ongoing at
as corrosive as other woods used in western collec- the Library since 1973, the recent Lotus Sutra Manu-
tions.5 While the benefits of creating a microclimate scripts Digitisation project narrows down our rehous-
with wooden storage boxes have historically out- ing scope to about 800 objects. But even in the
weighed the potential harm caused by their off- current case, the cost of a solution, while reasonable
gassing, the developments in technology of climate for a few items, grows exponentially when multiplied
control and closed storages have led Hare to question by the substantial number of objects.
whether this method should be reconsidered. However, it is not only the vast size that poses a
Wooden boxes, wrappers and bags that can no lon- great challenge. There are different formats repre-
ger be used due to their condition should be kept but sented in the collection. The handscroll is by far the
stored separately from the scroll (Hare, 2006; Smith, most common, although small paper fragments,
2011: 86, 91). As pointed out by Belard (2009: 106– bound booklets and other objects are also present.
107), Buddhist manuscripts in handscroll format were Naturally, all these formats have different housing
not regarded as ‘art objects’ at the time of their cre- requirements. Even within the same format group,
ation. Therefore, it is unlikely that they originally had there are some notable differences. For example,
individual storage boxes, which were expensive and scrolls vary significantly in terms of size and condi-
time-consuming to produce, or futomaki, which are a tion: their length ranges anywhere from 10 cm to
modern invention. However, in modern practice, the almost 14 m, which results in considerable differences
use of storage boxes is recommended (Chongrun, in diameters when they are rolled. As the scrolls are
296 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 1. Part of the strongroom (left) and a close-up of the pigeonholes where scrolls are stored (right).
Source: Photograph credit International Dunhuang Project.

usually relaxed in the conservation process, they typi- The scrolls are stored in individual pigeonholes,
cally expand in diameter compared to their very tight which are organised chronologically by shelf marks
rolling before treatment and, consequently, require in ascending order. While small adjustments can be
more storage space. Some of the scrolls survive with made to the width of a single compartment thanks to
their original rods still attached, but, in some cases, movable separators, their height is fixed at about 8
the rods are inadvertently separated and at risk of cm. As a result, longer scrolls no longer fit after being
dissociation. Detached rods are not usually reattached rolled on increased-diameter cores. The same issue
as part of the conservation treatment. It is important to arises when scrolls on the same shelf happen to all
store them safely and together with their original be larger in size, and the separators cannot be success-
object – otherwise they can be lost and almost impos- fully tweaked around to provide each with an appro-
sible to (re)match with their corresponding scroll. priate amount of space to facilitate access and prevent
Therefore, different solutions must be implemented mechanical damage and deformations. The organisa-
in order to respond to these individual housing needs. tion of storage where the location of a particular scroll
These variations may seem nuanced but are amplified is dictated by its shelf mark, and therefore fixed, is
by the number of items and possible issue combina- very convenient for the retrieval of items but does not
tions (e.g. a scroll that is both very long and has an allow much flexibility for scrolls to be moved around
original roller still in place), which makes it challen- and replaced according to their size. In cases where
ging to store the collection safely and successfully we have no other option but to move a scroll, a paper
within the existing facility. A unification of slip indicating its new location is placed in its original
approaches and solutions across the collection is pigeonhole. Moreover, because of the vast size of the
therefore crucial for a more effective use of the avail- collection, in some instances, multiple small scrolls
able space. have been stacked in a single pigeonhole. This kind of
improper storage puts items at risk of potential
mechanical damage, and these scrolls should be
Existing storage facility rehoused as soon as it is possible.
Since the British Library moved to its current St Pan- Over the years, as the collection has undergone
cras location, the Stein collection has been stored in a conservation treatment, different solutions have been
climate-controlled strongroom with an Inergen fire employed to address some of these issues. Existing
suppression system, which reduces oxygen levels British Library conservation records from the 1980s
inside in case of smoke detection. The scrolls are kept reveal that cotton, silk or linen wrappers impregnated
in wooden, glass-front pigeonhole cabinets, which with Mystox (an insect-resistant agent) were used for
were made bespoke for the collection in the early storage of individual scrolls. In the 1990s, these were
1970s by London-based cabinetmakers Pegasus (see replaced by Japanese boxes made from paulownia
Figure 1). Although designed with great care, we are wood (Lawson and Barnard, 1996: 13). Boxes offer
beginning to see certain shortcomings in this solution good protection against pests and pollutants, and
as the conservation work on the collection progresses. minimise the negative impact of atmospheric
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 297

changes; therefore, they are a popular storage method rods still attached. The final design of any storage
in institutions around the world. However, in the case solution must therefore be easy to apply properly in
of the British Library’s Stein collection, they unfortu- order to prevent the potential risk of damage and dis-
nately do not fit within the compartments of the sociation arising from incorrect use.
pigeonhole cabinets. The scarcity of space and enor-
mous costs of such an undertaking for a collection of Materials: function, accessibility, cost
this size are forcing us currently to consider this solu- and sustainability
tion only for the most precious and fragile objects, as
In the above-described context, where there are tight
well as those that are too large in diameter and there-
timelines and economic constraints, it is essential to
fore cannot be placed back in the cabinets after
deliver solutions which use materials that are easily
treatment.
sourced, accessible and cost-effective. The materials
We also need to remember that while the cabinets
must be safe for the collection items; therefore, all the
themselves create a microclimate for the objects and
components in our storage solutions must be of a
offer stable atmospheric conditions, they simultane-
reliable archival grade. Sourcing materials abroad dra-
ously accelerate the risk of potential harmful off-
matically increases the costs, as the shipping charges
gassing from both the cases and the materials we use
are usually much higher and additional custom duties
for storage, limiting the solutions available for
must be paid. Furthermore, this increases our overall
rehousing. Due to economic restraints and the diffi-
carbon footprint, which we are seeking to reduce as
cult organisation of such an endeavour, getting a
an institution. However, suitable solutions are not
new storage facility is not feasible at the moment.
always available locally in the UK; some of the sup-
Although new integrated solutions may be implemen-
pliers we used to work with have discontinued the
ted in the future, until then we must work around the
necessary products or materials. We try to find and
existing infrastructure to address the most pressing
rely on materials that will be available for future proj-
housing needs.
ects to keep things consistent. For this reason, we aim
to use what is already available to us – the materials
Contextualising practices: busy research library commonly found in most conservation studios –
and ongoing digitisation of the collection which takes advantage of surplus stock and limits the
need for outsourcing. For materials that must be out-
Another key factor that needs to be considered is that
sourced, we ensure that they can be easily obtained
the British Library is a busy public research institu-
from reputable suppliers.
tion. While the aim of the Lotus Sutra Manuscripts
It was essential to develop solutions which would
Digitisation project is to make the collection freely
be sustainable over the long term. Our storage solu-
available online to readers and researchers around the
tions allow for consistency in the Lotus Sutra Manu-
world, reducing significantly the need to handle the
scripts Digitisation project and can be made quickly
originals, the collection items that have not yet been
using simple on-site workshop facilities. All the fac-
digitised can be requested by scholars for close exam-
tors outlined above also come into effect when think-
ination in the reading rooms. Typically, there are
ing beyond this particular project. The sheer scale of
around 30 requests for physical access to Stein col-
the Stein collection requires consistent, sustainable
lection materials per year, and many researchers tend
long-term solutions, which can also be applied to
to investigate a larger number of objects at once or
potential future projects involving the material in this
over the course of their visit. But accessibility is
collection.
equally important in the context of a digitisation proj-
ect. Conservation and imaging processes have sepa-
rate, differently paced workflows and, rather than Storage solutions
going to the imaging studio directly from conserva- With the considerations outlined above in mind, the
tion, objects are often returned to storage and Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Digitisation project’s conser-
retrieved from there for the imaging staff indepen- vators – Marie Kaladgew, Paulina Kralka and Marya
dently. Since conservation supervision can only be Muzart – have combined traditional methods with
provided in individual instances of particularly deli- modern materials to produce practical solutions that
cate objects, the scrolls cannot be difficult to access address the storage issues and are also functional,
and replace. While the internal staff handling the col- accessible and sustainable in terms of both the envi-
lection items have received training, the scroll format ronment and future projects. Following the recommen-
still presents some difficulties, especially in the case dations for the best storage practices for handscrolls,
of particularly long objects or those with their original we have now implemented increased-diameter support
298 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 2. A 5.5 cm core being used as a handling aid.

cores as the standard solution for all scrolls within during the unrolling and rerolling for examination,
the scope of the Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Digitisa- providing support and protecting the temporarily
tion project. We found 5.5 cm diameter cores com- rolled side from squeezing (Figure 2). As a final
posed of acid-free cardboard tubes to be appropriate step of rehousing before the scrolls go back into
for the majority of scrolls, offering overall time and storage, we add a xuan-paper wrapper. As the out-
cost efficiency.6 We source them in large numbers ermost layer, the xuan paper protects the scroll from
from reputable conservation suppliers. We arrived at dust, friction and soiling when handled, and can
a standard length of 33.5 cm, which allows a few also easily be replaced. It bears the shelf mark of
generous centimetres at the top and bottom of the the scroll in pencil, which allows for quick and easy
scrolls to protect the edges during their handling and identification.
storage. We have a mixed stock of cores which have While the standard cores work well for most scrolls
been ordered pre-cut and some old stock that included in the Lotus Sutra Manuscripts Digitisation
requires cutting and sanding of the edges using the project, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Over the
on-site workshop facilities. In both cases, we cover course of the project, we have identified four major
them in a layer of xuan paper (宣纸), using wheat- housing issues for which alternative solutions had to
starch paste as an adhesive. The paper covering is be found: (1) the storage of exceptionally long scrolls
applied smooth side up, which results in a homoge- without their original rollers – reduced-diameter
nous non-slip surface that can also easily be removed cores; (2) the storage of average-length scrolls with
and replaced were it to become too worn or soiled. their original rollers still in place – standard clasp
The cores we use as part of the rehousing not only cores;7 (3) the storage of exceptionally long scrolls
increase the rolling diameter to help prevent over- with their original rollers still in place – reduced-
tension and creasing, but also offer proper support diameter clasp cores; and (4) housing for detached
for the scrolls, enabling their safe handling in and original rollers to avoid dissociation. The occurrence
out of the pigeonholes in the storage facility. These of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to access
cores are also of significant use as handling aids the conservation studio for some months during 2020
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 299

difficult. The lack of a suitable ready-made product

available on the market led us to test the alternative
solutions described in the literature. We were optimis-
tic for the Melinex core designed at the East Asian
Painting Conservation Studio at the Freer and Sackler
Galleries, for it was easily adaptable to fit objects of
varying diameters (Hare and Shintani, 2015b). Unfor-
tunately, the resulting core was too flexible and, com-
pared to a cardboard core, did not seem to offer
enough support for the scrolls, both in storage and
as a handling aid. We also briefly considered regular
postal tubes with an interleaving layer, for they are
readily available in different diameters and are cost-
Figure 3. A standard 5.5 cm diameter core outsourced
from conservation suppliers (left) and a 3.5 cm reduced- effective. However, given the microclimate inside the
diameter core handmade by International Dunhuang pigeonhole cabinets, there was a risk of potential
Project conservators (right). harmful off-gassing. To be suitable for long-term stor-
age, this method would have required thorough sci-
allowed us time to thoroughly investigate and entific testing before it could be implemented, which
research different ideas and solutions. The results are was unfortunately not possible in the climate of the
described in detail below. COVID-19 pandemic. This points to how there is
never a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to
storage solutions: whether a method works well or not
Reduced-diameter cores really depends on the particulars of the collection, the
We have found that some exceptionally long scrolls, project and the institution.
once they are placed on a standard core, are too The inappropriateness of these solutions for our
large to fit back into their respective pigeonholes specific purposes and the need to find reduced-
with sufficient space for safe handling. Previously, diameter cores urgently led us to develop a technique
scrolls that could not fit back into the existing stor- of making our own archival-grade cardboard cores
age would have to be boxed and placed elsewhere (Figure 4). The inspiration was drawn from an online
in the strongroom. Our experience shows that most blog post on making paper tubes for general crafts
scrolls over 10 m in length tend to encounter this (Instructables Craft, 2012) and adapted to be suitable
issue. However, considering the variations in the for use in conservation. We experimented with several
condition and thickness of the paper support types of adhesives, as well as diverse types of paper.
between the scrolls, this measure can only act as For instance, cores made with ethylene-vinyl acetate
an estimate. In some cases, a final decision on (EVA) were found to be too flexible even once dry;8
whether or not an item may be stored using a stan- the adhesive was also difficult to apply without caus-
dard core can only be made after treatment has been ing extensive cockling of the paper, and we found it
completed and the actual height of the scroll on the became tacky too quickly to allow for any adjust-
core can be measured. As the project progressed, it ments in the making process. On the other hand,
became clear that boxing and moving these scrolls wheat-starch paste diluted to a thin but not overly
was not a good long-term solution due to space watery consistency gave enough strength to the core
concerns in the strongroom. An estimate of 22 once dry, was easier to work with and, with a slower
scrolls being treated in the project would have to drying time, gave more room for adjustments where
be boxed and moved – a figure that is likely to necessary. We tested out several types of paper in
increase. For the sake of a sustainable long-term varying thicknesses and found that archival-grade
solution which could also be used in future projects kraft paper, which is commonly found in most con-
treating items in the collection, reduced-diameter servation studios and suppliers, was well suited for
cores were needed for storage. the purpose. Using six to seven layers of thin 120 gsm
We arrived at the conclusion that a 3.5 cm diameter kraft paper was found to be effective but too time-
core would be small enough to ensure that the scrolls consuming, given the necessary drying time in
could fit into the pigeonholes while still increasing the between applications. Fewer layers of a much thicker
diameter enough to prevent damage (Figure 3). 350 gsm kraft paper were difficult to mould around
Unfortunately, sourcing reduced-diameter archival- the support, and the resulting core did not keep its
grade cores in small quantities proved incredibly shape well. Consequently, a 170 gsm kraft paper, of
300 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 4. Making a reduced-diameter core.

Note: Using wheat-starch paste as an adhesive, layers of kraft paper are wound around a plastic pipe support. The bottom-right
photograph shows the core before being cut to size and wrapped in xuan paper, next to the finished product.

which a minimum of four layers was applied with 2. The first base layer, applied in a spiral forma-
wheat-starch paste, was found to be the optimum tion with no space or overlap, is kept secure
solution. It produced a particularly good supporting with masking tape on either end (the masking
core with a reduced diameter that could be made tape will not be part of the final product as the
relatively quickly. While these handmade cores are, edges will be trimmed). This layer should not
of course, more time-consuming to obtain than the be applied with an adhesive as it will become
standard 5.5 cm diameter ready-made cores, they stuck to the support. If a more uniform appear-
make up only a minority of the supports required for ance matching the outside covering is desired,
the project. the base can be composed of an additional
Learning to make these cores has become invalu- layer of xuan paper.
able knowledge in creating our own rehousing. The 3. Once the base layer is secured, a thinned
detailed instructions are as follows: wheat-starch paste is prepared. The paste must
not be overdiluted, so that it retains enough
1. A plastic plumbing pipe with a diameter of strength (a consistency like cream is ideal).
3.2 cm and approximately 50 cm in length is The paste is applied generously and evenly
used as a support. These can be easily sourced onto the kraft paper strip with a noribake paste
online from building suppliers and plumbing brush. The strip is then applied in a spiral
merchants. To make a 3.5 cm diameter core formation onto the tube, ensuring no space
with a length of approximately 33.5 cm, the or overlap as it progresses up the tube. The
use of four layers of 170 gsm kraft paper is angle of the spiral formation is dependent on
optimal. The kraft paper should be cut in the length and width of the strip – this may
advance, with each strip measuring approxi- involve some trial and error. The wheat
mately 61.5 cm x 8 cm. starch’s slower drying time allows for any
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 301

Figure 5. The standard 5.5 cm diameter clasp core modified to accommodate scrolls where the original roller is still
attached.

necessary adjustments. The strips should be providing appropriate support for the scroll, we
pressed firmly onto the support to avoid air experimented with modifying our standard 5.5 cm
pockets. The seams of the subsequent addi- diameter cores for the purpose (Figure 5).
tional layers should not fall directly over the The design incorporates the key features of the
seams of the layer beneath them to achieve a futomaki clamp but uses modern inert conservation
stronger core. Letting each layer dry between materials. It is therefore more lightweight and
applications is recommended to avoid economical to source. It also utilises offcuts of
cockling. xuan paper which are too small to be used for
4. After all of the layers have been applied and other purposes and minimises the waste of this expen-
dried fully (at least overnight), the tube can be sive material. The detailed instructions are as follows:
removed from the support. The edges are
trimmed to acquire the desired length and then 1. The standard cardboard core is cut in half
sanded. Finally, a layer of xuan paper is applied lengthways and a small groove is cut out in
with wheat-starch paste as the adhesive to act as one half to accommodate the wooden roller
a covering. If different dimensions of the core and the paper end of the manuscript. The
are required, the details of each component out- groove should only be a few millimetres deep –
lined above (the size of the support, the thick- 5–7 mm typically suffices – but this should be
ness of the paper, the number of strips required, adapted to the width of the original roller. The
and the length and width they should be) length of the groove should allow for a gap of
should be adapted accordingly. at least 10–15 mm both at the top and the
bottom edges of the manuscript in order not
to damage the paper. Once the cuts are satis-
Standard clasp cores factory, all edges are sanded to create a smooth
As already mentioned, many of the scrolls in our surface. The edges where the hinges will be
collection survive with their original wooden rod pasted should not be purposely smoothed
still attached to the left end. Therefore, standard down as a rougher surface provides better
cores are not a suitable solution for their safe bonding.
storage. We ruled out the possibility of using the 2. A system of paper tabs is then pasted on to
wooden futomaki as they would have had to be allow the core to open and close smoothly. The
custom-made in Japan – a solution that was both tabs are made of xuan paper; usually there are
impractical and expensive. We also tested the Meli- eight tabs of equal size cut to fit the length of
nex core designed at the Freer and Sackler Galleries, the core with a small 1–2 mm gap between
but found it to be too flexible to provide the desired each. The tabs are pasted on in an alternate
level of support. To house the roller safely while fashion using thick wheat-starch paste.
302 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 6. Making a reduced-diameter clasp core.

Note: The core is cut in half lengthways with a groove to accommodate the original roller. Xuan-paper hinges are pasted on to allow
smooth opening and closing. The core is then covered in xuan paper. The bottom-right photograph shows the finished product in use.

3. Once the tabs are pasted on and fully dried, six), resulted in a sturdier and stronger structure
and the hinge mechanism is working, the core which holds its shape well when cut and converted
is covered in xuan paper using wheat-starch into a clasp core (Figure 6). With these small modifi-
paste to secure it. The inside may also be cov- cations in mind, one can follow the steps for reduced-
ered if a neater appearance is required. diameter cores and clasp cores described above.

Reduced-diameter clasp cores Housing for detached original rollers

One of the biggest challenges we face is the housing There are some instances where the original wooden
of very long scrolls where the original rod is still roller is detached from the scroll, which creates yet
attached. We approached solving this storage issue another storage challenge. When the historical roller
by trying to combine the clasp-core mechanism with is completely separated, our approach is not to reattach
the reduced-diameter core. However, converting the it as we cannot assume its exact original position. For
handmade cores into clasp cores using the technique this reason, we utilise a standard core rather than a
outlined above proved to be difficult, as the layers of clasp core for rehousing. However, we want to avoid
kraft paper tended to delaminate when the core was storing the scroll separately from its historical roller
being cut lengthways, resulting in an unstable struc- because doing so creates an undoubted risk of disso-
ture. Therefore, some modifications to the original ciation. One solution would be to box them together.
design and making method were necessary. We found However, as mentioned earlier, boxing items and mov-
that applying the kraft-paper layers with a slightly ing them out of the pigeonholes is not a sustainable
thicker wheat-starch paste, as well as adding two solution, given the limited size of our current storage
more layers of the 170 gsm kraft paper (a total of facility. We needed to create an alternative way in
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 303

Figure 7. Housing for a detached original roller made out of polyethylene foam tube and stored within a standard core.

which the original roller could still be stored safely and was a significant improvement and was implemented
securely with the collection item. from then onwards.
We initially experimented with making rectangular The detailed instructions are as follows:
core inserts using a few layers of thin Plastazote
adhered together with EVA, with a custom-cut groove 1. We utilise tubes with a 22 mm inner diameter
to accommodate the original roller.9 While the end and a 13 mm wall (to use them inside the 3.5
product was functional enough, the process was far cm diameter cores, we simply trim down the
from ideal, being too messy and time-consuming. foam to reduce the overall diameter of the
Inspiration struck after spotting some polyethylene tube). The tube is cut to the same length as
tubes being used by our colleague who specialises the core, then cut in half using the existing
in textile conservation to store rolled textiles. These pre-scoring and hinged on one side with
are, in fact, pipe insulation tubes, but they have been Filmoplast SH cotton tape to allow for smooth
previously Oddy tested by the British Library’s col- opening and closing. The Filmoplast tape
lection care scientist, Dr Paul Garside, and are adheres well to the foam surface.
deemed safe to use with collection items. Because 2. Two pairs of small slits, both close to each
of their original purpose, they have a cavity inside, end, are cut in the tube half that is intended
and their sides are already pre-slit, making them quick to house the roller. Cotton tying tape is then
and easy to split neatly open. Moreover, the material threaded through; it will be used to secure the
is available in different diameters, and it was possible stored item in place.
to find one that fitted perfectly inside the standard 3. A small tab made of Filmoplast SH cotton tape
core. The storage solution we consequently developed is placed at the bottom of the hinged side of the
using these tubes not only provides safer housing for tube to facilitate removal from inside the core.
detached original rollers, but is also incredibly easy to 4. The rod, wrapped in a protective layer of xuan
make and requires no adhesive (Figure 7). This design paper, is placed inside and secured in place
304 IFLA Journal 48(2)

They can be covered in a conservation-grade

stockinette if a white appearance is desired.

Conclusion
The storage of the materials from the Stein collection
presents many organisational and technical challenges
to the British Library’s conservators. There are vari-
Figure 8. Scroll supports made from polyethylene foam ous essential considerations that must be acknowl-
tube and positioned at either end of a 3.5 cm diameter edged: the specific needs of the collection, and the
core. existing storage methods and facilities, as well as
accessibility requirements, budgetary limitations and
with the cotton tying tape. Both the roller and tight project deadlines. We must provide housing that
the scroll wrappers are clearly labelled with is adequate for the scroll format and feasible to
shelf marks and instructions to ensure safe deliver in terms of the size of the collection, and that
handling. prevents dissociation, which has been an issue in the
past. In an ideal world, we would design a new stor-
age facility that comprehensively address the above-
Scroll supports mentioned from the ground up. Unfortunately, as in
While experimenting with the above-described the case of many fellow institutions around the world,
design, we found another, unexpected, use for the our situation is not ideal. Operating within the current
polyethylene insulation tubes. This idea came about limitations and requirements without compromising
when insulation tubes of the wrong diameter were the collection’s safety and accessibility is a fine bal-
accidently ordered. We were left with tubes that we ancing act.
thought were too large to use for any purpose. How- While working on the ongoing Lotus Sutra
ever, we found that these, in fact, fitted perfectly Manuscripts Digitisation project, we have been
around the reduced-diameter cores and could there- faced with the fundamental task of rehousing a vast
fore be used as supports. The size and greater weight number of collection items, mostly in the handscroll
of very long scrolls means that if the scroll rests on format. This created the need to develop original
itself in storage for an extended period, it is at risk of solutions that successfully balance the specific
permanent deformations. Many Japanese-inspired housing requirements and constraints with the best
storage-box designs have insert supports, whereby the storage practice for scroll manuscripts. They allow
scroll can be suspended inside; however, this solution us to ensure the long-term safety and accessibility
was previously not easy to adapt in the pigeonhole of the collection, while being sustainable as well as
context. The foam supports we created are functional cost- and time-effective. The final designs of the
as they lift the scroll off the surface, but at the same new storage solutions presented in this article have
time they do not add any more bulk to it (Figure 8). been developed with a thorough understanding of
Therefore, they do not affect how the scrolls fit inside the existing storage issues. These designs have
the existing cabinet compartments. Another important taken shape over many months of research and
feature is that they also fit snugly onto the core, mini- experimentation with different techniques and mate-
mising the risk of handling-related accidents while rials. They combine some practical aspects of more
taking the scroll in and out of the pigeonhole. traditional East Asian methods with modern mate-
The detailed instructions are as follows: rials for an optimal balance of functionality, sustain-
ability and accessibility. In developing and
1. The supports for reduced-diameter cores are subsequently implementing these designs, we are
made from polyethylene insulation tubes with positively contributing to the long-term preservation
a 22 mm inner diameter and a 19 mm wall. of this material and laying down a foundation of
The tube is first cut widthways into 3–3.5 cm standardisation that ensures homogeneity of storage
slices, then a single slit is cut at the top to not only throughout the project, but also across the
allow for opening. The cut edges are sanded Stein collection for the most effective use of the
down to create a smooth surface. available storage space.
2. The supports are then placed at either end of Our work is ongoing, and we strive to continue to
the core, leaving a small gap from the scroll. research and develop further innovative storage
Kralka and Muzart: Dunhuang scrolls 305

solutions to overcome any issues we may encounter. the manuscripts in the reading rooms. However, we
We also hope that, in sharing our ideas with the wider must also be acutely aware that by using this rehousing
library and conservation community, we may help technique, we are altering the original format of the
colleagues facing similar rehousing challenges. item. For a discussion on alternative storage solutions
for scroll fragments, see Brandt (1996) and De and
Acknowledgements Licheng (2007: 143–144).
The authors would like to acknowledge a fellow Lotus 7. These scrolls would have been stored on a standard core
Sutra Manuscripts Digitisation project conservator, Marie if it was not for the roller being in place.
Kaladgew, for her contribution in identifying storage issues 8. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer is a neutral-pH
and creating some of the solutions described in this article. adhesive that is free of plasticisers and less susceptible
They would also like to thank other British Library col- to acid hydrolysis than more common adhesives.
leagues involved in the project, especially Margaux 9. Plastazote is a brand of inert polyethylene foam that is
Lapierre, Cordelia Rogerson, Melodie Doumy and Tan available in a range of densities.
Wang-Ward, for their support and advice in writing this
article. A special mention is given to Alexander Dieplam Supplemental material
for his help with editing the manuscript. Supplemental material for this article is available online.
Declaration of conflicting interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with References
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museum objects. March 2021).
6. This is true for scroll fragments measuring more than 80 Hare A (2006) Guidelines for the care of East Asian paint-
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sealed using a heat welder, and a spot welder is used in vation rollers for storing East Asian scrolls. Available at:
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place. A label comprising the shelf mark of the object is ports/making-ethafoam-preservation-rollers-for-storing-
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Smith SJ (2011) A comprehensive guide to the preventive of Fine Arts in Cracow and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History
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AA00009603/00001 (accessed March 2021). months training in the conservation of East Asian paintings
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 I F LA

Storage and Access to Physical Collection

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
The David O Selznick storyboard 2022, Vol. 48(2) 307–317
ª The Author(s) 2021
rehousing project: A case study Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023068
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Genevieve Pierce
Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Abstract
In 2018, the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin rehoused over 300 illustrated movie
storyboards from the popular and frequently used David O Selznick Collection. Preservation technicians
tracked this project from its inception to the survey and design conception, and through to its execution.
By creating a new housing model and refining it over the course of a year, the Preservation Unit was able to
consider how housing affects an object, which led to new systems and structures to facilitate process
management and workflow, and how an object is impacted by its housing.

Keywords
Preservation, conservation, collection development, arts and humanities literatures, academic libraries,
information providers, special collections, rare books

This case study recounts an extensive rehousing conjunction with its housing. Nevertheless, an item
project undertaken by the Preservation Unit in the and its housing together constitute a single object, and
Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at proper preservation housing adds value beyond the
Austin over the course of about 12 months in 2018. protection it provides.
Over 300 illustrated movie storyboards from the During this process, we also had the opportunity to
David O Selznick Collection were surveyed and ponder how past preservation decisions alter the
rehoused. As preservation technicians, we create future of collections. When preservation departments
housings for everything: handwritten letters, delicate make compromises out of constraints of time, money,
bindings, modern movie props, etc. Our preservation staff, and space, these choices are incorporated into
staff during this time consisted of Genevieve Pierce how we think of an object. Initial housing decisions
(myself), Alan Van Dyke, and Jill Morena. We were tend to color future preservation decisions, from
tasked with the extraordinary opportunity of rehous- rehousing to shelving to exhibition. Not all initial
ing one of the Ransom Center’s most exciting collec- decisions are wrong, but it behooves preservationists
tions. The project involved surveying the entire to consider how their actions will influence future
Selznick storyboard collection, designing housing and judgements about an object.
workflow for it, moving the collection from one stor- This case study is divided into four sections. The
age space to another, keeping disparate departments first outlines the history and characteristics of the
abreast of developments, and ensuring that the day- Selznick Collection; the second details our survey of
to-day work went smoothly. The project yielded an the items, including the construction design and mate-
inventive new housing design, a workflow model on rials used, workflow, assembly steps, and labeling/
which to base future projects, and new preservation- access; the third recounts our takeaways from this
management questions. year-long housing project; and the final section con-
Overall, the project was a success. Among other siders both how this project will inform future project
things, it brought to light how an object’s housing
changes it in terms of its size, storage, durability,
Corresponding author:
sustainability, and identity. Housing and storage are Genevieve Pierce, Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at
at the very center of preservation, yet rarely does Austin, 300 West 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
an institution as a whole consider an object in Email: [email protected]
308 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 1. Storyboard from the David O Selznick Collection (photograph by Genevieve Pierce).

management at the Ransom Center and what preser- These movies are beloved and critically important
vation housing may mean in the context of an item to those interested in American culture. Storyboards,
and a collection, and within a larger institution. moreover, are beautiful pieces of art in their own right
(see Figure 1). Many artists are featured in this col-
lection, including Dorothea Holt, Mac Johnson, Lyle
The Selznick storyboard collection Wheeler, and William Cameron Menzies. Selznick
History had a high regard for Menzies especially; he was
responsible for the art direction on Gone with the
The David O Selznick archive is one of the largest and
Wind, and Selznick later called on Menzies to lead
most popular collections at the Ransom Center, and is
the art direction of Spellbound and Rebecca. The
vital to the study of the golden age of Hollywood.
Selznick archive contains many of Menzies’ original
David O Selznick was a movie producer during the
pieces, with the “slashing diagonals, overreaching
1930s, 1940s, and 1950s at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
shadows, the low horizon, and worm-eye views” that
Paramount, RKO, and, most importantly, his own
make Menzies’ style so distinctive (Halligan, 2013:
company, Selznick International Pictures. His archive
21–22). The storyboard artists’ work as creators and
spans from 1916–1966. He produced such classic
film designers is one of the principal draws of this
films as A Star Is Born, The Adventures of Tom Saw-
collection.
yer, The Third Man, and Gone with the Wind. Selz-
nick also brought Alfred Hitchcock to Hollywood and
produced Hitchcock’s pictures Rebecca, Notorious, Collection scope and materials
and Spellbound (Harry Ransom Center, 2020b). The object of the project was to rehouse over 300
The history of the Selznick Collection is, in some unique storyboards and drawings. The Harry Ransom
ways, the history of early American cinema, and rep- Center contains approximately 2300 linear feet of
resents a massive collaboration of writers, directors, Selznick archives, but this project focused on rehous-
performers, musicians, art directors, and designers. ing 35 flat-file drawers of storyboards (Harry Ransom
Pierce: The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project 309

Center, 2020a). The size of each object was, on aver- offset. Moreover, the labeling of the folders was not
age, 3000 x 2000 , although the items varied in size con- standardized, adding to the difficulty of finding a spe-
siderably. The scene illustrations are painted in cific piece. Faulty housing can lead to a cascade of
watercolor or mixed media on artist board, and depict issues, including potential physical damage, cramped
set designs, costumes, and interior and exterior shots. storage, and improper labeling. Preserving this collec-
The different kinds of paper and stages of deteriora- tion is especially complicated because each piece is
tion of the items in the Selznick Collection made the valuable and unique. Consequently, the project neces-
material complexity of this project quite high (Mur- sitated individual housing for each piece. Outsourcing
phy, 1987). this work was cost-prohibitive, so the Ransom Center
The storyboards, which were not created to be stan- relied on staff resources. The institution also had to
dalone pieces, are incredibly fragile. Most are illus- adopt a plan that would be feasible in the lab space
trations painted directly onto artist board or onto available, provide protection in flat-file storage, cut
paper that was adhered to artist board. The board used down on material loss by reducing human error, and
for these objects was made by pressing adhesive and still not require years of staff time. In short, we needed
cheap wood pulp paper together to form a thick sup- a hybrid between mass-produced and customized
port; it is now brittle and delaminating. The artists housing.
used a wide range of paper for their illustrations, from To meet the project’s needs, the preservation team
Bristol to newsprint, which they then adhered to the created a sink-mat structure out of archival-grade cor-
board with rubber cement. These multiple layers of rugated board, which is both extremely light and
unstable material both add to the bulk of the pieces strong (see Figure 2). The team settled on two differ-
and increase their fragility (Murphy, 1987). The Selz- ent sizes that could be built in assembly-line style.
nick paintings are watercolor or gouache and the The team also pasted in Permalife paper corners to
drawings are graphite or charcoal. All the media in hold each piece securely in place. We carefully mea-
this collection is prone to cracking, flaking, fading, or sured these corners to fit each piece individually.
smudging. The friability of this media is another rea-
son why the housing had to be carefully designed and
Process
sufficiently protective. Most of the art is quite thick,
probably 5 mm on average. Many corners and pieces Survey
are tenuous or missing, and the boards have bowed, The team conducted an extensive survey of the
warped, and cracked, and sometimes been taped back collection before deciding on appropriate housing.
together. Because this collection is used so often, it was impor-
tant to have every piece organized in one survey.
In the end, we studied the collection through the lens
Use and previous housings of preservation and did not do extensive condition-
The popularity of David O Selznick and his movies reporting. We recorded measurements, support type,
has led many patrons to seek out this collection. The media type, general condition, and any major condi-
visual appeal of the storyboards also makes them a tion issues, such as losses or cracks.
favorite. These objects have frequently been handled All told, four staff members, in rotation, measured
by researchers and scholars, displayed for tours and the pieces and recorded data over two months. The
classes, and exhibited. The collection was stored on data revealed that the pieces could be sorted into two
the seventh floor of the Ransom Center and, whenever major categories based on the size of the file drawer
an item was called down for classroom or reading- into which each one would ultimately be placed.
room use, a page had to find the piece, carefully lift it Because we knew where the collection would be
out of its drawer, put it on a cart, and, finally, man- stored, the team worked the storage space into the
euver it through the stacks onto an elevator and to the initial design and planned housing to meet its restric-
second floor. Pieces in this collection have made this tions. This foresight made the project much more
journey many times, and every trip increases the efficient. Anything over 2000 x 3000 was considered
chance of injury in inadequate housings. large and was housed on 3600 x 4800 supports. Anything
This system presented many problems. Previous smaller than 2000 x 3000 went into a 2400 x 3600 folder.
housings were either insufficient or nonexistent. The folder sizes correspond nicely with standard flat-
Many of the pieces were put in 20-point or 40-point file storage and leave enough space to retrieve the
folders and stacked on top of one another; in conse- folders easily out of their drawers.
quence, the folders made direct contact with the face In the past, the Preservation Unit has usually
of the paintings, subjecting them to smudging or handled large projects like this one in batches, and
310 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 2. A storyboard in sink-mat housing (photograph by Genevieve Pierce).

housed items in vendor-purchased housings. For right to the edge of the object to provide maximum
example, for the Ransom Center’s collection of 300 protection. For this modified sink mat, however, the
oversized photographs, most were separated by size walls create a structure in which the object sits, which
and housed in premade sleeves in batches of about 50. provides protection for the face of the painting or
When large photographs needed customized pockets, graphite illustration without coming too close to the
however, the project often required a considerable object itself.
amount of material and staff time. Housing a very This modified sink mat consisted of a single-core
large photograph in mylar is difficult and, despite our support board with 200 double-core walls glued around
best efforts, creating 300 custom housings necessarily the perimeter. This design created a standard-sized
would have taken a massive amount of time, energy, frame in which the storyboard could sit. The story-
and materials. We created the mass-production model board was then secured in place with four Permalife
for the Selznick project specifically to cut down on paper corners, much like those used for photograph
such waste. storage. Finally, a single-core-board lid the same size
as the support was hinged on top, creating a “box”
Housing concept and design which enveloped the storyboard and protected the
fragile illustrations (see Figure 3).
For this project, the usual concern of making a
bespoke sink to fit each item was irrelevant; the goal
here was to create 300 sink mats that would give each Materials and supplies
item a protective “box” before customizing each box We created a plan with simple components and sim-
for its piece. The housing design was, essentially, an ple assembly to facilitate a smooth workflow. The
oversized sink mat with a lid. Permalife paper corners principal material we used for this project was archi-
would then be pasted onto the base support board, val corrugated board, which is both lightweight and
which would hold the object gently, but firmly, in strong, making it ideal for large housing projects.1
place. Traditionally, the walls of a sink mat come The team used single-core archival corrugated board
Pierce: The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project 311

Figure 3. Illustration by Chloe Gise, HRC Preservation Technician.

for the primary support and cover. For the walls, we Gummed linen hinging tape fixed the cover to the
used double-core archival corrugated board cut into base support board. We use this water-activated adhe-
200 strips. Corrugated board is three pieces of paper sive tape for much of our framing because it bonds
glued together with potato starch. Because two pieces quickly and is incredibly strong. Wheat-starch paste
of paper flank a fluted inner layer, corrugated board is was used to stick the paper corners to the primary
both lighter and stiffer than boards made by laminat- support board. Starch adhesives are made by cooking
ing many layers. powdered wheat starch in water until a paste forms.
The team cut Permalife paper, which is both They are mainly used for paper-conservation treat-
strong and acid-free, into 6 00 x 6 00 squares and ments due to their reversibility and pH neutrality
folded each one twice to create a protective corner.2 (Preservation Self-Assessment Program, 2016).
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive was used to glue
the walls to the primary support. PVA is a synthetic
copolymer emulsion that is commonly used in Workflow
bookbinding; it is incredibly stable and bonds mate- Developing our workflow helped us also to better
rial tightly with minimal drying time. The preserva- envision the design of the housing. The key to both
tion lab frequently uses acid-free archival-grade the workflow and structure design was knowing
PVA. where this collection would be housed. Separating the
312 IFLA Journal 48(2)

items to be housed based on the size of the flat- The structure and assembly involved four steps.
file drawer for which they were destined also First, our student worker pre-cut the primary support
informed the workflow. Similarly, ordering the boards and stacked them according to size in the
supplies and determining how many supports, Paper Lab, where the storyboards would be measured.
walls, and lids would be needed helped us to She also pre-cut all the corners and grouped them
organize the project. Our first goal was to prepare alongside the support boards so that each piece of the
a stock of pre-cut boards from which a technician assembly was easily accessible to the preservation
could readily assemble the parts of the boxes. A technicians. All of the other pieces—the sink, walls,
work-study student was assigned the bulk of the and lids—were stacked in the Preservation Lab. Seg-
materials preparation. She cut standard-sized regating the two labs ensured that the storyboards
pieces and stacked them in the labs; this way, the were kept in a separate area away from the PVA.
preservation technicians could focus on the sink- In the second step, the preservation technicians
mat assembly. carefully measured each storyboard onto its support.
Two part-time preservation technicians and one We could not “eyeball” where each piece went; the
work-study student were dedicated exclusively to process required that we measure each piece and cen-
this project. I led the project and the other staff ter it on the mat. The piece was centered on the sup-
member allotted it 10 hours per week. The student port board and position-marked by using small sticky
employee was available for approximately 11 hours notes to indicate each of the corners. By using sticky
per week and spent almost all her time on this notes, we could avoid drawing graphite marks on the
assignment. Neither of the full-time staff members, support surface. It also made the work go more
however, could focus solely on this project. Balan- quickly than if we had marked the board directly.
cing our responsibilities was complex, and we Once the storyboard had been measured, it was put
adjusted our methods continually to increase their away, and 600 x 600 folded Permalife paper corners
efficiency. were adhered to the boards using wheat-starch paste
(see Figure 4). The boards were stacked with sheets of
blotter paper in between and given ample time to dry.
After the corners had dried, the support boards and
Structure and assembly
their adhered corners were taken to the Preservation
Each folder consisted of two large single-core corru- Lab and 2” double-core walls were glued onto the
gated boards, one for the bottom support board and main supports, creating a frame around the corners.
one for the hinged lid. To create the sink structure, The newly glued frame was allowed to dry and then a
four double-core corrugated pieces cut in 200 strips lid that was the same size as the support board was
were glued down to the main support board as a hinged on top using gummed linen hinging tape.
frame. We never varied the size of the walls, which Building this frame structure was essentially
saved time by ensuring consistent sink-mat assembly-line work, which allowed us to maximize
construction. our time and energy. Although precision was still
The folders were either large (3600 x 4800 ) or small important, it was relatively easy to glue the walls to
(2400 x 3600 ), so we had batches of corresponding sup- the support boards and hinge on the lids. We were not
port boards pre-cut each day. This way, there was a yet dealing with the storyboards, just fabricating sink
constant supply and the preservation technicians did mats. In other words, this part of the project was mass
not have to pause to replenish the components. All production.
told, we cut 200 small (2400 x 3600 ) boards, 400 large The final, tailored step of the project was challen-
(3600 x 4800 ) boards, and 1200 (200 ) walls. In addition, ging because, by this point, the team was fatigued.
we cut and folded 1200 Permalife paper corners. This portion of the project demanded meticulousness
We did this work across two labs because the proj- and forced us to focus intensely after performing so
ect required a lot of space. In the Paper Lab, we much rote assembly; the overall patience for the proj-
handled, measured, and pasted the corners, and stored ect was waning. Because the artist board was so fra-
the art pieces in flat files; this segregation kept the gile, transferring the storyboards to their new housing
work space cleaner. Once we had measured the story- took both skill and a lot of time to prevent further
board onto the support and added the custom corners, damage. Handling the delicate pieces was far more
the supports were transferred to the Preservation Lab, difficult than we imagined. The storyboard corners,
where we glued on the walls and attached the box lid. many of which were tenuously attached, had to be
Because we had access to two labs, we had plenty of carefully fitted into the Permalife paper corners. Lastly,
space for board storage and construction. the housings, which had taken months to design and
Pierce: The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project 313

Figure 4. Preservation technician Jill Morena pasting Permalife paper corners (photograph by Genevieve Pierce).

build, sometimes did not fit correctly and had to be collection’s drawers and not be as easily misplaced.
modified. However, this last step of the process was This approach allowed for fluidity, which better con-
also the most gratifying. Seeing a delicate object in a nected the collection as a whole. We also included a
new, successful housing is rewarding, as is showing photograph of the corresponding piece on the new lid
off the work that will help preserve these objects of each folder so that a page or archivist could easily
(see Figure 5). recognize each one. In this way, the items are much
less likely to be put in the wrong folder. In the new
drawer layout, the folders stack neatly in tiers, and
Labeling, description, and access each label is clearly visible. During the rehousing
The last, but essential, step of this project was apply- process, the cataloging and description records for
ing labels. Labeling was not something that we had each piece were also updated.
considered when we began the project. As preserva-
tion technicians and conservators, we usually leave
Successes, failures, and reflections
this responsibility to cataloguers and archivists. How-
ever, we observed during our survey of the original Successes
folders that the labeling was inconsistent. In this col- The survey. From a preservation perspective, one of the
lection, different movies had different labeling stan- most important steps of rehousing this collection was
dards, which made counting the items difficult. The our thorough survey. Although we were not able to
team consulted with archivists, cataloguers, and our create a conservation-treatment report for each item,
film curator before settling on a standard numbering our assessment provided a snapshot of the overall
system based on the Ransom Center database and condition of the collection. The time spent with the
divorced from drawer-location assignments. This materials allowed us to evaluate the needs of each
alleviated a lot of frustration about a piece belonging piece and consider several different housing designs
to a particular drawer—now it could go in any of the before making a decision.
314 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 5. Genevieve Pierce housing a Selznick storyboard (photograph by Genevieve Pierce).

Staff time and communication. When starting a project project’s toll on its contributors. The workflow and
that may take hundreds of hours to complete, staff construction design should account for workers’ abil-
time is one of the chief considerations. Because the ity to sustain their energy throughout.
most complicated steps of creating housing tend to The Harry Ransom Center’s film curator, Steve
come at the end, progress seems to decelerate as one Wilson, provided vital support to the Preservation
goes on. A flexible and understanding attitude regard- Unit by helping us define our project and set clear
ing the difficulty of a large project like this is helpful. goals. He is the steward of this collection and gave
In addition, open communication that allows one to excellent advice on what requirements the housing
acknowledge challenges and ask for help is essential. had to satisfy, including handling needs, staff and
Among the other advantages, open communication patron use, future exhibit requirements, and it offering
allowed our team to shift deadlines when needed, sufficient space. His contributions throughout the
reevaluate our goals throughout the year-long process, project were essential, especially in helping us to cor-
and confer with everyone involved to move the pro- rect our course whenever he spotted something that
cess forward in mutually agreeable ways. was incompatible with how the collection would be
Because we welcomed open communication from stored, moved, handled, or exhibited.
the beginning, we were able to take a more measured
approach to the mass production that was necessary at Sustainability. The question of sustainability for this
the start of this project. This method took into account project is twofold. We used far more materials to
not only efficiency, but also the preservation techni- create the customized housing than had been used in
cians’ capacity to produce excellent work over time. the past for similar projects. However, by creating a
Worried about fatigue setting in, we reevaluated the longer-lasting box for each piece, we cut down on the
timeline about six months in and delayed the pro- need to make additional folders in the future. Also, by
jected completion by another eight weeks. To facil- investing in robust materials, the housings will protect
itate our best work as the project progressed, the team the items for many years to come. The conservation of
found that we needed to pace ourselves. Organizers collections is the goal of preservation and, without a
usually consider material sustainability in projects doubt, the new housing is far superior to what pre-
like these, but it is equally important to consider a ceded it. The items are now in little danger of damage,
Pierce: The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project 315

despite heavy use and their frequent movement Ransom Center. Thus, interdepartmental coordination
through the stacks. Also, most of the offcuts from this and buy-in from the outset would have been necessary
corrugated B-flute board were either used for this to digitize the rest of the collection. Unfortunately, we
project—making the walls of the sink mat—or saved did not have the foresight to propose this additional
for other initiatives. Inevitably, there was some waste, step at the beginning.
but we were able to repurpose most of the board that Several other impediments also existed to taking
went unused for future projects. Additionally, the these steps. Digitization would undoubtedly have
environmental impact of this project was minimal delayed the project, possibly by another few months.
because the housings were made entirely out of paper Because we were motivated to finish the project, we
products rather than mylar. may have shortchanged this facet of preservation. In
The material costs for this project were greater than addition, because the storyboards are so large, it
those generally allotted for housing a single collec- would have taken a substantial amount of time and
tion. However, because this collection had never been expertise to photograph each one adequately. Never-
properly housed, is popular, and is of great research theless, we might have missed a great opportunity to
value, the expenditure was justified. Nonetheless, add research value to this collection. In future large-
giant projects such as this place strains on time, bud- collection rehousing projects, because the objects are
gets, resources, and staff. These challenges may dis- already being handled, the team should allot time for
courage preservationists from even attempting a fix, recto and verso photography.
for fear of not being able to finish the project or of
wasting time and resources. However, taking into
account the cost of potential future damage caused Reflections
by neglect or improper housing, the expense of this This project presented contradictory goals. Bespoke
project was a good investment. sink mats had to be mass-produced; delicate, popular
pieces needed housings that privileged handling and
Storage and use. This collection’s popularity made it a exhibiting, rather than simply storage; and although
priority for the Ransom Center. For this reason, find- the workflow was protracted and labor-intensive, the
ing new space for it was relatively easy. We moved most delicate and intricate work occurred at the very
the collection, wholesale, to newer, larger flat-file end of the process. Nevertheless, our dual-purpose
drawers on a different floor, and our housing design design met all the Preservation Unit’s goals and still
took full advantage of this additional space. Having a had a reasonable cost. For easy production, we
storage plan in place from the beginning both designed a support that would come in two sizes. All
informed the design and workflow and contributed the pieces would be cut and assembled identically,
to the project’s overall success. yet each measure was tailored for the specific piece.
Similarly, renumbering and relabeling each piece The housings would be strong and durable, light
benefited the collection; now, anyone searching for a enough to carry, and robust enough to bear frequent
particular piece can identify it from the photograph handling, moving, viewing, and exhibiting. The
pasted on the housing. Although clear labeling is not workflow was based on open communication
usually considered an issue of space, any measure that between departments, and the stakeholders acknowl-
helps keep a storage space tidy prevents items from edged the requirement to tailor the project’s time-
getting lost in drawers or mishoused. Clear access to lines to the workers’ needs.
an object, without obstruction, also lessens handling By quickly creating hundreds of sink mats, the
and, thus, chance of injury. Although all materials team established a new precedent in the Preserva-
need housing and proper storage, collections that are tion Unit. We now regard sink mats as a standard
constantly handled and exhibited are in greater danger boxing option, alongside tux boxes, phase boxes,
of loss. drop-front boxes, and folders. Also, the preserva-
tion technicians are now so familiar with sink mats
that we can easily build, design, and tailor them to
Failures whatever object needs to be housed. One of the
Our principal misstep was not initially incorporating best ancillary benefits of a mass-production project
digitization into our workflow. As we were labeling like this is that it gives our team lots of practice. It
each object, we realized that only the most popular was gratifying to be able to refine the technical
items and those that had been previously exhibited aspects of this design and monitor its future use
were already digitized. Digitization is separate from by staff and patrons. Moreover, part of the value
the Preservation and Conservation Division at the of completing such a large project is being able to
316 IFLA Journal 48(2)

collect data and establish procedures that will facil- Preservation as advocacy
itate future workflows and designs. In short, we can Having an independent Preservation Unit within the
use the tools we learned here to create more effi- Preservation and Conservation Division gives our
cient projects going forward. team ample opportunity to consider object housing
The Selznick storyboard project highlighted one and advocate for proper housing and storage. In the
of the questions that hounds preservation depart- same way as conservators advocate for an item
ments, especially when working on large projects: through means of treatment, catalogers through
Since storage space in institutions like ours is so description and access, and curators through research
scarce, how can we justify rehousing projects that and exhibition, preservationists add institutional value
may expand the dimensions of the collection sev- to a collection by ensuring the proper housing and
eral times over? Originally, this collection was storage of objects.
housed in thin folders and the storyboards were Sometimes, preservation work is invisible, just as
confined to a smaller storage area. Nonetheless, the protective housing of an item is peripheral to its
smaller housings were not the best choice to pro- core existence. Nonetheless, housings can give items
tect the objects. This project was an excellent a chance to be handled, extend their use value, and
example of how initial housing decisions that inform better storage. In sum, well-executed housing
reduce a collection’s storage footprint can lead to is a necessary addition that affects how an object is
future issues when items are properly rehoused and observed, handled, and protected.
the collection’s size expands. Ideally, adequate pre-
servation housings would be integrated into the Declaration of conflicting interests
initial evaluation of the collection, which would The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with
guide storage requirements, regardless of the addi- respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of
tional footprint. Housing projects, however exten- this article.
sive, are not ancillary to the items they protect;
they are as vital as an accession number or catalo- Funding
ging and description. The author received no financial support for the research,
authorship, and/or publication of this article.

ORCID iD
Conclusion
Genevieve Pierce https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5130-
Future preservation management 8780
The value of preservation projects is widely
acknowledged, but the time, money, staff, and Notes
space that rehousing requires can be very costly. 1. For this project we used TALAS conservation, archival
To provide proper protection, preservationists and bookbinding supplies. See https://www.talasonline.
essentially change the nature of an object and the com/Heritage-Corrugated
space in which it is stored. While this adds long- 2. See https://www.talasonline.com/Permalife-Paper
evity and sustainability to the object, there are
often practical considerations, such as storage References
options and space limitations. Halligan F (2013) Movie Story Boards: The Art of Visualiz-
Nevertheless, from the time of an object’s initial ing Screenplays. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Harry Ransom Center (2020a) David O Selznick: An
procurement, preservation housing is integral. The
inventory of his collection at the Harry Ransom Center.
benefit of documenting and tracking housing proj- Available at: https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/fin
ects such as this one is in learning how housing dingAid.cfm?eadid¼00671
evolves throughout the life of a collection, and how Harry Ransom Center (2020b) Film and television. Avail-
housing can change a collection for the better. able at: https://www.hrc.utexas.edu/research/guides/
However, in preservation, human comfort is as FilmandTelevision
important as object sustainability. We strove to Murphy SB (1987) The treatment of a storyboard from the
balance what was best for the objects, the project, movie Gone with the Wind. Book and Paper Group
and our team. Reimagining a project’s design to Annual 6. Available at: https://cool.culturalheritage.
org/coolaic/sg/bpg/annual/v06/bp06-10.html
include consideration for staff will yield better
Preservation Self-Assessment Program (2016) Adhesives.
results for both the object and the institution in the Available at: https://psap.library.illinois.edu/collection-
long run. id-guide/adhesives
Pierce: The David O Selznick storyboard rehousing project 317

Author biography Science and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and

Archives Conservation from the University of Texas at
Genevieve Pierce is a preservation technician at the Harry
Austin. She has also contributed the article “Say it with
Ransom Center, which is part of the University of Texas at
flowers” to the Ransom Center Magazine.
Austin. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information
 I F LA

Storage and Access to Digital Collection

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Deciding how to decide: Using the 2022, Vol. 48(2) 318–331
ª The Author(s) 2021
Digital Preservation Storage Criteria Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211011490
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Sibyl K. Schaefer
Research Data Curation Program, University of California San Diego, USA

Nancy Y. McGovern
MIT Libraries, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Eld M. O. Zierau
Royal Danish Library, Denmark

Andrea L. Goethals
National Library of New Zealand, New Zealand

Cynthia C. M. Wu
National Library of New Zealand, New Zealand

Abstract
The Digital Preservation Storage Criteria (hereafter, the Criteria) grew out of a community discussion at the
12th International Conference on Digital Preservation (iPRES 2015) on the evolving landscape of digital
preservation storage approaches. A Working Group convened to develop guidance for organizations that
either use or provide digital preservation storage. The first version of the Criteria was presented at an iPRES
2016 workshop and outlined the Working Group’s preliminary results and sought feedback. The Working
Group has shared iterative versions over the last three years that have been informed by community feedback
gathered through conference sessions, online review and a survey. Possible uses of the Criteria include helping
organizations to develop requirements for their digital preservation storage, evaluating digital preservation
storage solutions, raising awareness about digital preservation storage, and providing training materials to
inform practitioners and others, including a game to demonstrate how the Criteria might be adapted for use.
A Usage Guide accompanied the release of the current public iteration of the Criteria to help apply the
Criteria. This iteration of the Criteria contains 61 criteria grouped into categories: Content Integrity, Cost
Considerations, Flexibility, Information Security, Resilience, Scalability and Performance, Support, and
Transparency. The unreleased draft, Version 4, includes an additional category: System Security. In addition
to introducing the Criteria and providing background about their evolution, this article highlights new areas of
development. First, the preliminary results from an ongoing effort to map the Criteria to relevant international
digital preservation and information technology standards are presented. Second, updates to the Usage Guide
are discussed. The Usage Guide is a supplement to the Criteria that provides the contextual information
necessary for implementing the Criteria and includes sections on considerations such as risk management,
cost, understanding independence and ensuring bit safety. Finally, examples of using the Criteria in various
contexts are provided to encourage organizations to apply the Criteria to their own situation. The Criteria, the
Usage Guide, the Criteria game and related documents are open and available for review at https://osf.io/sjc6u/,
where future additions and updates will be shared.

Corresponding author:
Andrea L. Goethals, National Library of New Zealand, 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon Wellington, Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
Email: [email protected]
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 319

Keywords
Criteria, standards, risk management, digital preservation storage, digital storage, long-term storage,
Open Archival Information System

Introduction preparation for the 2016 iPRES workshop that intro-

The need to navigate generations of storage technol- duced the Criteria, the Working Group listed this star-
ogies is a challenge for formulating effective preser- ter set of criteria in a survey of workshop participants
vation strategies. The Digital Preservation Storage prior to the conference. The survey asked the partici-
Criteria (hereafter, the Criteria) are intended to help pants to rank each criterion according to the value
address the evolving requirements, emerging and they would assign to it. This activity engaged the
competing solutions, increasing need for capacity, participants with the Criteria and enabled a productive
and ever-changing resources available for digital pre- discussion during the workshop. The feedback from
servation that organizations of all kinds face. The that workshop, and from a session at the annual
Criteria are a result of a collaborative process within Library of Congress Designing Storage Architectures
the digital preservation community that began in meeting, informed Version 2 of the Criteria.
2015. This article provides context for the iterative The Working Group then used this same pattern in
development of the Criteria, highlights recent updates 2017 and 2018: revise the Criteria; share the next
and extensions, and looks ahead to further work and version at iPRES and at the Library of Congress meet-
possible developments. The Criteria are in the fourth ings; incorporate the feedback to create a new version
iterative cycle of definition and elaboration by the and repeat. To expand the reach of community
Criteria Working Group. Throughout this collabora- engagement, the Working Group created a Google
tive process, the Working Group has organized and email group for interested community members to
provided opportunities for community review and discuss and comment on the resulting versions. Cur-
feedback. After each round of community engage- rently, the Working Group is drafting Version 4,
ment, the Working Group integrates or otherwise which is informed by feedback from a paper presented
addresses the feedback gathered to produce new ver- at (Zierau, Schaeffer, McGovern et al., 2019) and
sions, which are publicly available on a project web- presentations at other meetings.
site (Goethals, McGovern, Schaefer et al., 2018).
Defining digital preservation storage
Background on the Criteria creation Engaging the digital preservation community in
An idea arose during a community discussion of digi- developing good practice for digital preservation stor-
tal preservation storage convened at the 12th Interna- age is hampered by the absence of an authoritative
tional Conference on Digital Preservation (iPRES source for definitions. Creating working definitions
2015): Would a guiding document that outlined provides a way to develop a shared understanding of
requirements for digital preservation storage be use- core concepts that enables international collaboration.
ful? The acknowledgement of the lack of this type of Early in their work, the Criteria Working Group iden-
guidance resulted in a call for volunteers, and a Work- tified the need for a working definition of digital pre-
ing Group was subsequently formed to design a set of servation storage. First, the group had to define
digital preservation storage requirements. It quickly ‘digital preservation’. As a starting point, they
became clear that the ‘requirements’ would vary from adopted the Digital Preservation Coalition’s (2015)
organization to organization, making the objective of definition: ‘the series of managed activities necessary
a definitive list both unrealistic and unhelpful. The to ensure continued access to digital materials for as
Working Group determined that a set of criteria would long as necessary’.
be most helpful for the development of good practice Building on that base, the Criteria’s working defi-
for digital preservation storage that is responsive to a nition of digital preservation storage is: a fundamental
shifting technological environment and would allow component of digital preservation infrastructure, both
an organization to select the subset of the criteria that organizational and technological, that supports and
fit its situation. That is the objective of the Working enables ongoing digital preservation activities. The
Group and the purpose of the Criteria. term ‘digital preservation storage’ encompasses mul-
The Working Group gathered requirements from tiple functional areas (or entities) of the open archival
organizations of different shapes and types and then information system (OAIS) Reference model (ISO
synthesized the results into more general criteria. In 14721:2012; International Organization for
320 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Standardization, 2012b). In the ‘functional entity’ students, and practitioners in affiliated domains who
diagram of the OAIS Reference model, the ‘archival rely on digital preservation storage. A guiding princi-
storage’ functional entity may appear to equate to ple for the versions of the Criteria has been ensuring
digital preservation storage. However, the Criteria that the Criteria remain generally applicable to digital
use a broader definition for digital preservation stor- preservation storage in any context by avoiding the
age that includes the ‘archival storage’ functional inclusion of local practices. The Criteria provide a
entity as well as other OAIS functional entities and bridge to implementation by including a Usage Guide
organizational decision-making and practices for and accumulating examples to demonstrate the local
digital preservation that are needed to store, maintain, use of the Criteria.
monitor and retrieve Archival Information Packages. The remainder of the article includes five sections
The roles and interactions within the OAIS model that that give an overview of the Criteria, highlight recent
relate to digital preservation storage are explained in developments and describe future work on the Cri-
McGovern and Zierau (2014). Examples of additional teria. ‘Inside the Criteria’ reviews the content, cate-
OAIS functional entities in digital preservation stor- gories and format of the Criteria. ‘Standards mapping’
age include: explains the Working Group’s efforts to map the Cri-
teria to standards. ‘Inside the Usage Guide’ provides
 Preservation planning, which is responsible for an overview of the topics addressed and the implica-
monitoring technology for storage options, rel- tions of those topics for digital preservation storage
evant standards and practices, and media planning and implementation. ‘Using the Criteria’
migrations; demonstrates through examples the ways in which
 Data management, which maintains the rela- organizations and individuals might benefit from and
tionship between preserved content and its apply the Criteria. And finally, the ‘Discussion’ sec-
associated metadata; tion considers the implications of some aspects of
 Administration, which is concerned with poli- developing the Criteria and shares an overview of
cies and standards pertaining to digital preser- ongoing work and possible developments.
vation storage management and for auditing
submissions from receipt through deposit in
storage; Inside the Criteria
 Ingest, which creates and updates preservation
packages and is responsible for delivering pre-
Presentation
servation objects to digital preservation storage. The Criteria are organized into a table with five col-
umns and one row per criterion, as shown in Table 1.
The OAIS Reference model provided a starting The columns are for the ‘Number’ (sequential identi-
point for developing the Criteria and a framework for fication for the criterion), ‘Criteria’ (short descriptive
thinking about how the OAIS functional entities relate name for the criterion), ‘Category’ (one of eight topi-
to preservation storage. The standards-mapping pro- cal areas used to group the Criteria), ‘Description’
cess described in this article uses a range of other (short definition for the criterion) and ‘Related stan-
relevant standards in addition to the OAIS to inform dards’ (an area to list relevant standards to the criter-
the Criteria. ion). So, for example, in Table 1, the first listed
The Criteria are intended to continually enable the criterion is integrity checking in the category of
digital preservation community to weigh the potential Content Integrity. The integrity checking criterion
opportunities and risks of modern storage services and indicates that the digital preservation storage
options while addressing the expectations of modern ‘[p]erforms verifiable and/or auditable checks to
digital preservation practices. detect changes or loss in or across copies’.

New developments and use Categories

The Working Group has developed the Criteria as a Initial feedback from the digital preservation commu-
set of design attributes with associated considerations nity indicated that instead of simply providing a long
for digital preservation storage services. The possible list of criteria, some sort of organization would be
audiences for the Criteria include digital preservation helpful. In response, the Criteria were organized into
managers who need to implement and manage digital categories to group similar criteria together and pro-
preservation storage, providers of digital preservation vide an overall structure. Each criterion belongs to
storage services, auditors of digital preservation only one category. The categories do not have strict
programmes, digital preservation instructors and definitions and may be edited in future versions as
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 321

Table 1. Subset of the Preservation Criteria.

Related
Number Criteria Category Description standards

1 Integrity checking Content IntegrityPerforms verifiable and/or auditable checks to ISO 16363
detect changes or loss in or across copies –
for example, checksum recalculation, fixity
checking, identifying missing files
2 Independent Content Integrity Supports fixity checking by other parties – for ISO 16363
integrity checking example, the content-owning institution
3 Cost-efficient Cost Considerations Costs relatively less overall than other ISO 16363
comparable solutions by being designed with ISO 17797
cost efficiencies – for example, has resource
pooling and sharing, multi-tenancy (multiple
users share the same applications)
4 Energy-efficient Cost Considerations Takes advantage of energy conservation
principles and techniques in full or in part –
for example, requires less cooling, consumes
less power, uses less rack space, as in green
computing initiatives
5 Storage weight Cost Considerations Meets relevant requirements for physical weight as
documented in Service Level Agreement (SLA)
– for example, weight may need to be under a
certain amount required for a particular floor
6 Adapts to Flexibility Able to adjust storage infrastructure in ISO 16363
requirements response to changing local requirements – for ISO 27001
example, legal requirements or audit results
7 Constrain location Flexibility Enables the specification of the location – for ISO 16363
example, by geographic region or geopolitical
characteristics
8 Customizable Flexibility Supports user-defined replication rules – for ISO 16363
replication example, fewer copies of a particular stream
of content
9 Interoperability Flexibility Includes storage components that can be easily
integrated with other systems and applications
(i.e. plug and play) – for example, uses standard
file access protocols and file system semantics
such as Network File System (NFS), Service
Message Block (SMB), Rest Application
Programming Interfaces (APIs)

new criteria are added or current criteria are refined. 2. Cost Considerations, which reflects the finan-
For example, the System Security category has been cial impact of storage decision-making. This
recently created and will be present in the next version also includes the criteria that the storage be
of the Criteria. Currently, there are the following nine energy-efficient, which is related to both costs
categories: and environmental concerns.
3. Flexibility, which refers to the adaptability,
1. Content Integrity, which refers to practices interoperability and overall ability to custo-
that ensure the state of the stored data has not mize digital preservation storage solutions to
changed. The two criteria that make up this an organization’s needs. For example, the cus-
category – integrity checking and independent tomizable replication criterion provides for the
integrity checking – require that not only are ability to establish content-based rules to repli-
there detection mechanisms to ensure that the cate a variable number of copies. This could be
data has not been changed, altered or removed, particularly useful for organizations which
but also these mechanisms can be audited by have policies to keep more copies of content
internal and external entities. that is classified at a higher value level.
322 IFLA Journal 48(2)

4. Information Security, which refers to data pro- be disclosed to the content owner, may be espe-
tection methods to ensure that the data cannot cially useful in cloud storage architectures.
easily be tampered with or removed. The 9. System Security, which refers to the security of
closely related Content Integrity category is the system itself rather than the data within it.
about detecting changes to content, while the Closely related to the Information Security
Information Security category is about protect- category, System Security contains criteria that
ing against those changes occurring, especially are related to managing access to the system,
across all copies of the content. For example, whether in person or virtually. For example,
the geographical independence criterion security protocols may be required when pro-
requires multiple copies to be stored in geogra- tective measures for access to physical hard-
phically separate locations, thus reducing ware are regulated. Authentication integration
location-specific risks of data loss. Similarly, may be important for organizations wishing to
the organizational independence criterion integrate organizational-wide identity services
requires copies to be managed by separate such as Active Directory.
organizations, protecting data from the risks
associated with one organization managing all
the copies of content.
5. Resilience, which refers to the durability and Standards mapping
availability of the digital preservation storage The forthcoming Version 4 of the Criteria will include
system. This category includes criteria such as mappings between specific criteria and relevant stan-
durable media, specifying that the storage dards, such as ISO 14721 and ISO 16363. This feature
media have acceptable longevity rates. The was intended from the inception of the document.
error control criterion is concerned with Currently, the following standards have been mapped
storage-level error remedies, such as Redun- to the Criteria:
dant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), ZFS
and erasure coding, while the recovery and  ISO 16363:2012: Space data and information
repair criterion helps outline how such reme- transfer systems – Audit and certification of
dies should occur: within acceptable time trustworthy digital repositories (International
frames, without error propagation and, if nec- Organization for Standardization, 2012a).
essary, with tools allowing the content-owning  ISO 14721:2012: Space data and information
institution to remedy the error. transfer systems – Open archival information
6. Scalability and Performance, which refers to system (OAIS) – Reference model (Interna-
computational performance and the ability to tional Organization for Standardization,
be scaled up or down according to organiza- 2012b).
tional needs. This category includes criteria  ISO/TR 17797:2014: Electronic archiving –
such as supports expansion, which provides for Selection of digital storage media for long term
an increase in storage capacity, as well as its preservation (International Organization for
inverse, supports reduction, should a decrease Standardization, 2014).
in storage needs arise. It also lists criteria related  ISO/IEC 27000:2018: Information technology –
to system performance such as compute power, Security techniques – Information security
file system limits and Input/Output (I/O) management systems – Overview and vocabu-
performance. lary (International Organization for Standardi-
7. Support, which refers to support contracts as zation, 2018).
well as services like training, accessibility and  ISO/IEC 27001:2013: Information technology –
additional preservation services such as Security techniques – Information security
migration. management systems – Requirements (Interna-
8. Transparency, which refers to the visibility into tional Organization for Standardization,
the storage system’s functions – for example, 2013b).
auditing, reporting, error notification and docu-  ISO/IEC 27002:2013: Information technology –
mentation. Specific criteria include open storage Security techniques – Code of practice for
formats, which requires support for non- information security controls (International
proprietary storage formats such as tar and the Organization for Standardization, 2013a).
Linear Tape File System. Expose location,  IASA-TC 04: ‘Guidelines on the production
which requires that the specific storage location and preservation of digital audio objects’
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 323

Table 2. Example showing the standards mapped to the criterion security protocols.

Criterion: security protocols

Definition: Includes protective measures, controls and documented procedures to prevent security
incidents related to hardware, software, personnel, physical structures, devices and deletions that are not
allowed as part of an approved policy/strategy.

ISO 16363 5.2.2 Standard specified that ‘the repository shall have implemented controls to adequately address each
of the defined security risks’. It also referred to ISO 27000 and ISO 17797 here.
ISO 27000 4.1 ‘Organizations need to: a) monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented controls and
procedures; b) identify emerging risks to be treated; and c) select, implement and improve
appropriate controls as needed.’
ISO 27001 A.8.3.2 Control: Disposal of media – media shall be disposed of securely when no longer required, using
formal procedures.
ISO 27001 A.8.3.3 Control: Physical media transfer – media containing information shall be protected against
unauthorized access, misuse or corruption during transportation.
ISO 27001 A.11.1.2 Control: Physical entry controls – secure areas shall be protected by appropriate entry controls
to ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed access.
ISO 27001 A.16.1.1 Control: Responsibilities and procedures – management responsibilities and procedures shall be
established to ensure a quick, effective and orderly response to information security incidents.
ISO 27001 12.4.2 Control: Protection of log information – logging facilities and log information shall be protected
against tampering and unauthorized access.
ISO 27001 A.13.1.1 Control: Network controls – networks shall be managed and controlled to protect information
in systems and applications.
ISO 27002 A.8.3.2 Control: Disposal of media – media shall be disposed of securely when no longer required, using
formal procedures.
ISO 14721 3.1 ‘Follow documented policies and procedures which ensure that the information is preserved
against all reasonable contingencies, including the demise of the Archive, ensuring that it is never
deleted unless allowed as part of an approved strategy. There should be no ad-hoc deletions.’
(International Organization for Standardization, 2012b)
ISO 14721 3.2.5 ‘In particular AIPs [Archival Information Packages] should never be deleted unless allowed as part of
an approved policy; there should be no ad-hoc deletions.’ (International Organization for
Standardization, 2012b)

(International Association of Sound and Audio- devices and deletions’. As one may expect, this cri-
visual Archives Technical Committee, 2009). terion mapped to all three of the related Information
technology – Security techniques – Information secu-
Additionally, the following standards are under rity management systems ISO standards – ISO 27000,
review for applicability and potential mapping to the 27001, 27002. Table 2 shows the specific areas and
Criteria: wording that relate to the criterion definition. Section
4.1 of ISO 27000 states that: ‘Organizations need to:
 ISO/TR 15801:2017: Document management – a) monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of imple-
Electronically stored information – Recom- mented controls and procedures; b) identify emerging
mendations for trustworthiness and reliability risks to be treated; and c) select, implement and
(International Organization for Standardiza- improve appropriate controls as needed’ (Interna-
tion, 2017). tional Organization for Standardization, 2018: p.
 ISO/TR 18492:2005: Long-term preservation 11). ISO 27001 maps to this criterion in eight different
of electronic document-based information areas of the standard, as outlined in Table 2. In addi-
(International Organization for Standardiza- tion to noting the standard in the ‘Related standards’
tion, 2005). column as shown in Table 1, Version 4 of the Criteria
will include a detailed mapping of each criterion to
Certain criteria map to many of the different standards the specific section of a related standard and also the
that were reviewed. One such criterion, security pro- relevant text from the standard, much like in Table 2.
tocols, states that the digital preservation storage The process of mapping the criteria to standards
‘includes protective measures, controls and documen- has highlighted the need to reword particular criterion
ted procedures to prevent security incidents related to definitions, as well as identifying new potential cri-
hardware, software, personnel, physical structures, teria. For example, in reviewing the same security
324 IFLA Journal 48(2)

protocols criteria discussed above, it became evident critically important for some of its collections, copies
while mapping to the OAIS that there was a need to or data centres, but not for others.
refine the original definition to address ad hoc dele- The Usage Guide explains the different considera-
tions and approved policies, both of which are expli- tions that need to be taken into account when using
citly mentioned in the OAIS. Thus, the new definition the Criteria. Preservation in general is about preven-
of the criterion was drafted as: ‘Includes protective tion of loss of data, and the Usage Guide provides
measures, controls and documented procedures to context for specific concepts that are important to
prevent security incidents related to hardware, soft- support that work. The Usage Guide focuses on activ-
ware, personnel, physical structures, devices and dele- ities that organizations can consider and perform
tions that are not allowed as part of an approved based on these key concepts. It also addresses the
policy/strategy’. interplay among the concepts and how one consider-
Another by-product of the standards-mapping pro- ation has an impact on others. For example, the con-
cess is the identification of new criteria. As standards cept of ‘independence of copies’ is a driver of the
are reviewed, gaps in the current Criteria are uncov- concept of ‘risk management’. Similarly, analysis of
ered. One such gap was identified after a review of risks is done in conjunction with ‘cost analysis’, since
ISO 27001, which states that: ‘Formal transfer poli- cost drivers have an effect on which risks can be
cies, procedures and controls shall be in place to pro- accepted and which need to be mitigated. The current
tect the transfer of information through the use of all version of the Usage Guide includes the following key
types of communication facilities’ (International concepts that should be considered in relation to the
Organization for Standardization, 2013a: p. 51). Ver- Criteria:
sion 3 of the Criteria has no criterion relating to pol-
icies or procedures around data transfer, yet this is an  Assessing and managing storage solution risks:
area of critical concern as the risk of data loss or An organization can use risk management prac-
corruption during transfer is much higher than while tices to identify and isolate long-term risks and
data is at rest. To remedy this oversight, a new criter- reduce and mitigate impacts on digital preser-
ion related to transfer policies and procedures has vation operations. Similarly, an organization
been proposed. Currently, 18 recommendations for can use risk assessment to compare digital pre-
new or revised criteria have been proposed by the servation storage solutions that address differ-
Working Group as a result of this standards- ent sets of criteria. Because digital preservation
mapping work. Each recommendation will undergo storage solutions must be sustained, it is useful
further review before being submitted to the digital to have a consistent methodology for risk man-
preservation community for feedback prior to finaliz- agement that can be used by the organization
ing and publishing in Version 4 of the Criteria. over time, even as solutions change. The
description of risk management is based on
various literature from both the digital preser-
Inside the Usage Guide vation community (Digital Curation Center and
The Criteria need to be set in the context of basic DigitalPreservationEurope, 2015; Digital Pre-
preservation considerations. For example, an institu- servation Coalition, 2015) and outside the com-
tion’s digital preservation storage solution should be munity (European Banking Authority, 2019;
designed so that there is no single point of failure. Joint Task Force Transformation Initiative,
This means thinking across the solution and making 2011, 2015).
sure that there is enough variability so that incidents  Independence between copies: For digital pre-
or failures will leave possibilities for recovery. Digital servation storage, risk management must take
preservation storage solutions should be resilient into account that either no data or only an
enough to be able to recover from loss of any one acceptable amount of data may become lost.
part, whether it is caused, for example, by media fail- This means preventing or reducing the likeli-
ure, a malicious attack or the shutdown of a storage hood that one event or incident can harm sev-
company. eral copies of the data. The best way to mitigate
Within this larger context of an institution’s overall such risks is to make the copies independent in
digital preservation storage solution, an institution a way that prevents the same event or incident
may make different decisions about the relative from harming multiple copies. The individual
importance of the Criteria for different components – criteria related to organizational governance,
for example, for particular copies, data centres or col- geographic location and technical dependen-
lections. In this way, some of the Criteria might be cies should be considered together because of
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 325

their combined effect on the degree to which

each copy can be relied on. The description of
independence is based on a number of refer-
ences (Rosenthal, 2010; Zierau, 2012, 2018;
Zierau and Schultz, 2013).
 Interplay between number of copies, indepen-
dence of copies and the integrity monitoring of
those copies: A full risk assessment of digital
preservation storage needs to include three
essential elements, which are required for eval-
uating whether a digital preservation storage
solution provides the required level of bit
safety: (1) ‘number of copies’, where there
should be enough copies available to survive
the loss of some of the copies; (2) ‘indepen-
dence between copies’, to mitigate the risks
of losing all copies at one event; and (3) ‘integ-
rity checks (of copies and among copies)’, to
ensure the continued fidelity of the copies.
Together, considerations of these elements
determine the degree to which bits are kept
safe. Integrity considerations are also a compo-
Figure 1. An image of copies threatened by an erupting
nent of information security in combination volcano, which is used to illustrate the need for the
with requirements for availability and confi- Criteria.
dentiality, necessitating a balance among these
considerations in planning and implementation. In the work with mapping standards to the Criteria, it
The description of the basic elements is based has become apparent that there are additional con-
on a number of references (Rosenthal, 2010; cepts that need to be added to the Usage Guide. These
Zierau, 2012, 2018; Zierau and Schultz, 2013). are:
 Assessing storage costs: The costs of storage
solutions may cause an institution to make dif-  Considering how an organization supports
ficult decisions about the relative importance of storage criteria: The organization’s policies
individual digital preservation storage criteria and strategies are important to maintain and
and which risks are acceptable in order to meet sustain digital preservation storage over the
budget requirements. An organization can use long term.
cost analysis to identify and isolate storage  Ensuring sufficient level of documentation: The
solution costs that are specific to digital preser- level of documentation of digital preservation
vation, and/or to compare the costs of storage actions is crucial for performing health checks
solutions that address different sets of criteria. or proving compliance with policies and audits.
The description of the cost assessment is based  Establishment of needed service-level agree-
on various literature from both the digital pre- ments: Both internal and external service-
servation community (4C, 2014a, 2014b; level agreements can be crucial for ensuring
Wright et al., 2009) and outside the community that the service will meet the organization’s
(International Cost Estimating and Analysis digital preservation storage requirements.
Association, 2020; United States Government
Accountability Office, 2009). The Criteria’s logo illustrates the interconnected-
ness of the considerations discussed in the Usage
As the key concepts in the Usage Guide are inter- Guide (see Figure 1).
related, each organization can take into account how If all copies of the digital materials are co-located
these concepts are related and relevant to their partic- at an erupting volcano, it will not matter whether there
ular situation for evaluating and using the Criteria. are 10, 100 or 1000 copies, since all will be lost if an
The Usage Guide is designed to outline issues and eruption occurs. This is because the copies are not
provide direction for available resources that may placed in geographically independent locations. The
help organizations to get the most out of the Criteria. Criteria could be used with risk management and, of
326 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Table 3. The audiences and uses of the Criteria.

Users Potential uses

Digital preservation storage  Prioritize facets of digital preservation storage

consumers  Inform more detailed requirements for digital preservation storage
 Identify gap areas in current digital preservation storage
 Evaluate or compare among digital preservation storage options
 Evaluate the digital preservation storage for each copy location
 Communicate digital preservation storage needs with information technology staff
Digital preservation storage  Reference or indicate compliance with particular digital preservation storage
providers criteria
 Compare competing storage solutions
Digital preservation  Contribute to instructional material on digital preservation storage
instructors  Inform good practice for digital preservation storage
Digital preservation  Provide a common language and framework for discussion
community  Bridge digital preservation storage consumer and provider perspectives
 Navigate differing views – for example, between practitioners and information
technology, or within the digital preservation community

course, cost considerations to make a set-up which is  MIT Libraries used the Criteria to develop the
so safe that we do not need to rely on luck. appropriate digital preservation service for its
collections.
Using the Criteria  Archives New Zealand used the Criteria as a
framework for the storage component of the
The Criteria were developed to help any organization digital preservation guidance it provides to
that is responsible for the storage and long-term pre- institutions.
servation of digital materials, as well as other audi-
 The University of Melbourne used the Criteria
ences – for example, providers of digital preservation as a starting point for generating discussion and
storage and digital preservation instructors. For each for ultimately developing its storage require-
of these audiences, multiple ways of using the Criteria ments for preserving its collections.
were envisioned (see Table 3).
In practice, the Criteria have been used in the ways
described in Table 3 by a variety of institutions.
At the ‘Using the Digital Preservation Storage Used for education by the Criteria Working Group
Criteria’ workshop at iPRES 2018 (Goethals, Man-
delbaum, Schaefer, et al., 2018), individuals from For an iPRES 2018 workshop, the Criteria Working
five different cultural heritage and academic orga- Group created the Criteria game (Goethals et al.,
nizations shared practical examples of how the Cri- 2019) to introduce the workshop participants to the
teria had been used within their organizations. One Criteria. The game board is divided into an equal
of these institutions demonstrated well that the Cri- number of tiles labelled as either ‘must have’, ‘nice
teria could be used in a variety of ways. This uni- to have’ or ‘can do without’. Players take turns select-
versity had used the Criteria (1) as a reference for ing a criterion card, reading the definition if they are
the Digital Curation Librarian; (2) to expand con- not familiar with the concept, and then choosing to
versations and thinking between the library and classify it as a ‘must have’, ‘nice to have’ or ‘can do
other parts of the university; (3) as a component without’ (see Figure 2).
of its evaluation of institutional repository plat- Each player is randomly assigned an organizational
forms; and (4) for a gap analysis of the campus’s role that provides context for considering the relative
storage infrastructure. Here are further examples of importance of the criterion. For example, one role is:
how the Criteria have been used to advance under- ‘You are from a small cultural heritage society with
standing and good practice: few resources but unique material’. A person with this
role might rate high availability as a ‘can do without’
 The Criteria Working Group used the Criteria because of the high financial cost of achieving this
as a basis for an educational game to help indi- objective. Another example role is: ‘You manage an
viduals think about the characteristics of digital archive with confidential and highly sensitive mate-
preservation storage. rial’. A person in this role might classify encrypted
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 327

outlines the categories of digital content that MIT

Libraries intends to preserve, with the correspond-
ing care level. The levels helped to right-size digi-
tal preservation storage options for components of
MIT Libraries’ digital collections. The review
results framed the CDPS foundational services that
include digital preservation storage and informed
the MIT Libraries Maintenance and Support Plan
for CDPS. The CDPS Criteria review included the
following steps:

1. Rank the Criteria for CDPS: The CDPS team

ranked the Criteria as each applied to this
phase of digital preservation storage
development.
2. Define provider service status: The CDPS
team suggested a service status for each criter-
ion, and the two providers for MIT’s digital
preservation storage confirmed or modified
in completing their responses.
3. Criteria review response review: The CDPS
team iteratively reviewed the provider
responses until responses for all of the Criteria
were complete and documented.
Figure 2. A player of the Criteria game. 4. Evaluate Criteria review response: The CDPS
team combined the responses into one spread-
transfer as a ‘must have’ because of the security sheet that informed the development of the
requirements of this material. CDPS Maintenance and Support Plan and is
When a player places a criterion card on a game being used to monitor and assess CDPS. This
tile, they must give a reason for classifying it in the spreadsheet will be updated as new versions of
way they have. For example, the player classifying the Criteria are shared.
encrypted transfer as a ‘must have’ could say: ‘My 5. Synthesize results for service features: The
institution’s security policy requires confidential and CDPS team synthesized the Criteria review
highly sensitive material to be encrypted whenever it results into a set of CDPS service features and
is in transit, so this is a must-have requirement’. The characteristics that is appended to the Mainte-
reason for this game rule is that it gives players an nance and Support Plan and will be used in
opportunity to practise making the case for particular monitoring and enhancing CDPS.
digital preservation storage characteristics, as they 6. Define service responsibilities: The CDPS
might have to do within their own organizations. It team defined an initial RASCI matrix for
also gives them a chance to think about different con- CDPS that specifies roles (responsible,
texts and how they might affect the relative impor- accountable, supporting, consulted and
tance of the criteria. informed) for digital preservation, digital
archives and information technology
Used for infrastructure design by MIT Libraries responsibilities.
During a multi-year project, MIT Libraries used the
Criteria to develop and launch its Comprehensive MIT Libraries launched CDPS in June 2020
Digital Preservation Services (CDPS). Initially, the with Archivematica and digital preservation
Criteria helped the CDPS team discuss and explore storage. The CDPS team is monitoring the
the requirements for digital preservation storage, services and will evaluate them at the end of Year
and then to define and complete a review of the 1 using the results of the Criteria review. Details
Criteria. The process informed the definitions in of MIT’s Criteria review with illustrations are
the ‘Levels of digital preservation commitment’ available on the Criteria’s website (McGovern,
(McGovern and Smith, 2020) document, which 2020).
328 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Used for guidance by Archives New Zealand Table 4. The subset of the Criteria prioritized as
important to the University of Melbourne.
Archives New Zealand provides online guides and
resources to help information managers meet the Category Criteria
requirements of relevant laws and standards and
implement good practice. One guidance section is Content Integrity  Provides integrity checks
on the operational implementation of records and  Provides preservation actions
Flexibility and  High resilience
information management, including best practice gui-
Resilience  High availability
dance on digital storage and preservation (Archives  Recovery
New Zealand, 2020). Archives New Zealand used the  Designed for zero data loss
Criteria as a basis for its guidance on digital preserva- Information  Secure
tion storage, adapting them to fit the context of infor- Security  Access controls
mation and records management.  Integration with
The guidance is structured under headings that map authentication
to many of the Criteria’s categories:  System error reporting
Scalability and  Supports expansion
 Content integrity and authenticity; Performance  Supports reduction
 Content discovery, identification and reuse;  Use of multiple storage
 Flexibility; availability levels
 Information and system security;  Complete exports
 Resilience; Storage Locations  Geographic separation
 Scalability and performance;  Replication
 Support; Transparency  Supports open storage
formats
 Transparency;
 Self-healing transparency
 Risk management.  Supports independent
Archives New Zealand adapted the Criteria to preservation actions
 Provides content reports
emphasize what it determined to be important in its
 Provides activity reports
information and records management context. For  Documented infrastructure
example, the ability to support content authenticity  Documented access
is made explicit as an important characteristic to con-  Documented provenance
sider for digital preservation storage. This is how the
Criteria were intended to be used – as a community
resource that can be adapted to fit local contexts. One of the guiding principles of the Criteria is that
not all of the Criteria will be applicable to all institu-
tions. They are meant to be used as a base for deciding
Used to develop requirements by the University what is most important given local policies, applica-
of Melbourne ble regulations, needs and preferences. This example
One of the University of Melbourne’s key principles of the University of Melbourne shows how organiza-
defined in its digital preservation strategy (Shadbolt tions can bring together key stakeholders in a similar
et al., 2013) is to commit to ongoing investment in exercise to prioritize the Criteria based on their local
high-quality infrastructure, including a secure, persis- context.
tent storage infrastructure. To define its requirements
for digital preservation storage, it ran a workshop
(Weatherburn, 2018), bringing together university Discussion
archivists, records managers and information technol- Differences in perspectives can alter the interpretation
ogy staff to discuss their digital collections and their of the Criteria and highlight additional considerations.
digital preservation storage requirements. The goals Depending on the role an institution plays with regard
of the workshop were to gain a shared understanding to digital preservation storage, each criterion could be
of acceptable digital preservation storage and articu- interpreted as having a ‘providing’ or ‘receiving’
late requirements and general principles. Version 2 of implication. For example, the documented access cri-
the Criteria was used as a starting point for discussion, terion is defined as: ‘Provides immutable logs and/or
and from this a set of 24 of the Criteria was selected as reports that show all file system access’. A digital
particularly important for the University of Mel- preservation storage service provider could interpret
bourne’s context (see Table 4). this criterion to mean that they are responsible for
Schaefer et al.: Deciding how to decide 329

providing the logs and reports, while an institution categories and incorporate new criteria identified as
purchasing digital preservation storage from a vendor a result of the standards-mapping activity. The Usage
could interpret this criterion to mean that it expects to Guide will be expanded to include special topics, such
receive the logs and reports. as service-level agreements, documentation and orga-
In addition, the standards currently mapped to the nizational aspects, or other areas that will further sup-
Criteria can provide users with further considerations port the use of the Criteria by the digital preservation
from the perspectives of different disciplines. For community. The Working Group will also share a
example, the adapts to requirements criterion refers Standards-Mapping Document, which demonstrates
to the need for digital preservation storage to be adjus- areas of the selected standards that are pertinent to
table so that it can adapt to changing requirements. In the Criteria. On a continuing basis over time, addi-
ISO 16363, the standard for trusted digital reposi- tional standards relevant to digital preservation stor-
tories, this adaptability is important so that the pre- age will be mapped to the Criteria. For example, the
servation repository can provide an appropriate level upcoming revision of ISO 14721 will be reviewed by
of service to repository users. This standard also the Working Group. The Working Group will con-
points out that supporting processes will be required tinue to engage with the digital preservation commu-
to regularly monitor technological changes so orga- nity on further development of the Criteria, the
nizations can evaluate and decide whether to imple- Standards-Mapping Document and the Usage Guide.
ment these changes to their digital preservation
storage (International Organization for Standardiza- Acknowledgements
tion, 2012a). In ISO/IEC 27001, a standard for infor- The authors thank Jane Mandelbaum for providing invalu-
mation security management systems, this able feedback to this article as one of the core members of
adaptability is important, particularly around an the Digital Preservation Storage Working Group. They also
thank MIT Libraries, Archives New Zealand, Jaye Weath-
organization’s requirements for information classifi-
erburn and the University of Melbourne for sharing their
cation, information value and criticality, crypto- experience of using the Digital Preservation Storage
graphic controls and processes for handling assets, Criteria.
so that the system can adhere to any agreements,
legislation or regulation when necessary (Interna- Declaration of conflicting interests
tional Organization for Standardization, 2013b). The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with
Developing the Criteria using an iterative and col- respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this
laborative approach ensures that they remain continu- article.
ally relevant to their users and informs quality
practices in an era when technological change is com- Funding
monplace. In each iterative cycle, the Criteria are The authors received no financial support for the research,
updated based on feedback and shared learning from authorship and/or publication of this article.
users across different types of organizations within ORCID iDs
the digital preservation community. This approach
Sibyl K. Schaefer https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7292-
takes advantage of the collective and evolving expe- 9287
rience, knowledge and differing perspectives from Nancy Y. McGovern https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7733-
within the community to help refine the Criteria and 1516
identify gaps where they exist. By reviewing the Cri- Eld M. O. Zierau https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3406-3555
teria and the accompanying Usage Guide iteratively, Andrea L. Goethals https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5254-
they can be updated during each cycle to incorporate 9818
relevant criteria and key contextual considerations in Cynthia C. M. Wu https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9318-
response to the latest storage technological advances 275X
and changing institutional requirements for digital
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applying OAIS to distributed digital preservation. In: a chief architect, auditor and implementer. In 2011, she
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Zierau E, Schaeffer S, McGovern N, et al. (2019) An
tion at the National Library of New Zealand. She has
Overview of the Digital Preservation Storage Criteria
worked in the digital preservation field over the last
and Usage Guide. Available at: https://ipres2019.org/
15 years – previously at Harvard Library and the Florida
static/pdf/iPres2019_paper_26.pdf (accessed 19 April
2021). Center for Library Automation.

Cynthia C. M. Wu is the Digital Preservation Technical Spe-

Author biographies cialist at the National Library of New Zealand. She oversees
Sibyl K. Schaefer is the Digital Preservation Analyst and the infrastructure used by the Library’s digital preservation
Chronopolis Program Manager at the University of Cali- programme and liaises with multiple internal and external
fornia San Diego, USA. She has worked in the digital pre- stakeholders as one of the Library’s business representatives
servation and archiving field for over 10 years. As the on pan-Library storage and infrastructure migration projects.
 I F LA

Storage and Access to Digital Collection

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions

Experimenting with 360 and virtual 2022, Vol. 48(2) 332–338
ª The Author(s) 2021
reality representations as new access Article reuse guidelines:
strategies to vulnerable physical sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023080
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl
collections: Two case studies at
the KB, National Library of
the Netherlands

Marzia Loddo
Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Foekje Boersma
Collection Care, KB, National Library of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Martijn Kleppe
Research Department, KB, National Library of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Karin Vingerhoets
Collections, KB, National Library of the Netherlands, The Netherlands

Abstract
In the late 1990s, the explosion of electronic resources resulted in large-scale digitisation projects amid the
need for the preservation of digital information. The KB, National Library of the Netherlands, has been actively
involved in these activities. Now, it is proposing better ways to both preserve physical library materials and
improve their accessibility for educational purposes. This article describes two ongoing projects that involve
preservation and public engagement. One, in its early stages, is to test the applicability of 360 imaging to
support virtual access to the special collections’ storage. The second is the virtual reality production, for
educational purposes, of children’s pop-up books. Both projects could inspire other libraries to introduce
three-dimensional or virtual reality technologies and their applications to new audiences. This article describes
each project, shows the methods used, and discusses the expected outcomes.

Keywords
Collection management, 360 images, virtual reality, automated storage, children’s books, preservation,
conservation

Introduction preservation, but another is making information

Collection management is an essential part of every- accessible to the wider public. The KB, National
day library activities. This responsibility includes, Library of the Netherlands, which was founded in
among other tasks, selecting, acquiring, maintaining 1798, has collected approximately 7 million physical
and storing collections. In the late 1990s, the explo-
sion of electronic resources initiated large-scale digi-
Corresponding author:
tisation projects and digital information preservation. Marzia Loddo, Delft University of Technology, Julianalaan, Delft
These are two of the main themes of librarianship in 2600 AA, The Netherlands.
the 21st century. One purpose of digitisation is Email: [email protected]
Loddo et al.: Experimenting with 360 and virtual reality representations as new access strategies 333

items (books, newspapers, magazines, maps, etc.) that difficulty is to provide adequate space and a safe
stretch in storage over 125 linear kilometres. Over the environment for its expanding physical collections.
past 30 years, the KB has digitised books, periodicals When it is not possible to expand existing library
and newspapers on a large scale. These resources are buildings, the solution is either to redesign the current
digitised to both preserve them and to facilitate space or to move collections into a super-high-density
access. Through the website Delpher.nl, every Dutch facility.
citizen can now search and browse through 120 mil- Purpose-built high-density facilities usually follow
lion pages of digitised newspapers, periodicals and one of two designs: the ‘Harvard model’, which was
books. Moreover, DBNL.nl offers scans of the highest designed for manual retrieval, and the ASRS model,
possible quality of Dutch literature. In 2020, both where retrieval is performed by a robotic mechanism.
websites were visited in total around 10 million times. The first model was created at Harvard University in
To further this massive digitisation effort, the KB is 1986 and is now used in libraries all over the world,
proposing enhanced ways to preserve its physical especially in North America (Weeks and Chepesiuk,
library holdings and improve, for educational pur- 2008). The ASRS model, by contrast, is more often
poses, patrons’ access to and engagement with them. used in industrial settings such as distribution centres
Digitisation has also allowed the library to develop for supermarkets. However, the ASRS model has
several new interactive education programmes to been used in some library collections. For example,
engage patrons. By giving them access to a digitised the British Library repositories in Boston Spa and the
copy of an item, the library supports the preservation cooperative Speicherbibliothek in Büron, Switzer-
and prolongs the life of its physical holdings. This land, both use the ASRS model.
article describes two ongoing projects at the KB that
aim to aid the preservation of the library’s materials
and public engagement with them. In the first project, Background on the use of virtual reality
the KB is in the early stages of testing the feasibility in libraries
of 360 imaging to support virtual access to its special Like the KB, many libraries strive to make their digi-
collections. These holdings will become less visible tised items available through their websites or other
overall if the KB implements plans for a new auto- platforms, such as the Microsoft Live Search Books
mated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) to pre- project, the Google Books Library Project or the Open
serve its entire physical collection. In the second Content Alliance (Payne, 2007). Until recently, how-
project, the KB is using a virtual reality interface for ever, libraries seldom used augmented, virtual or
educational purposes; if this effort is successful, it mixed reality to expand access to their collections.
could inspire other libraries to introduce virtual real- The COVID-19 pandemic, by necessity, has changed
ity. This article represents the first attempt to describe the way people access heritage collections, but, before
the KB’s use of these technologies and to discuss the this period, several libraries experimented with these
potential outcomes of these efforts. technologies. Especially after 2014, virtual reality,
The article is structured as follows. It discusses augmented reality, mixed reality, three-dimensional
related works and previous research in the ‘Back- (3-D) modelling and 3-D-capture techniques became
ground’ sections, before detailing the two case stud- increasingly common in higher education, research
ies. The first study explores 360 imaging to support and teaching (Grayburn et al., 2019; Milgram and
virtual access to the KB’s special collections and the Kishino, 1994). It is no coincidence that, in 2014,
second study examines the KB’s creation of virtual Google released its Cardboard virtual reality viewer,
reality representations of the library’s children’s pop- which made virtual reality widely accessible. In the
up books. The final section offers design guidelines following years, a series of fully functional virtual
and ideas for future work. reality headsets made it possible to harness virtual
reality in new fields, such as architecture, design and
the humanities (Figueroa, 2018).
Background on library repositories Libraries seldom used virtual, augmented or mixed
The KB collects everything that is published in the reality technologies for education projects until
Netherlands or concerns the country, which ranges recently. For instance, students at the University of
from medieval literature to contemporary publica- Iowa developed a reality sandbox to help them visua-
tions. This policy means that the KB’s collection is lise how gravity works (Gravbox, 2018). Also, Mary-
continuously growing. The challenge for the KB is to land’s Prince George’s County Memorial Library
maintain a balance between preserving and offering System uses Google’s Tilt Brush so that users can
access to its holdings, both physical and digital. One paint in 3-D (Dar, 2018).
334 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Also, libraries sometimes provide space and ser- only by an automated system. Nevertheless, based on
vices to help develop projects or collaborate with the risk assessment, climate modelling and other insti-
other institutions, such as universities or private com- tutions’ reports, the new set-up is sensible (American
panies. For instance, in 2018, the University of Society of Heating, 2019; Boersma et al., 2014).
California San Diego Geisel Library’s Digital Media It is, however, difficult to let go of the experience
Lab offered virtual reality headsets, 3-D printing and of being in the library stacks as they exist now. It is
digital expert consultation to students and a general not that these stacks have a special design or aesthetic
audience (Oyelude, 2018). value – the KB’s current building dates to the early
1980s – and access to special collections is restricted
to authorised staff. Of course, books can be retrieved
KB’s future storage solution for its physical using the catalogue, but for collection specialists,
collections (Foekje Boersma) curators and conservators alike, being able to see the
The KB’s physical collections are currently located in collection is an important part of their care for these
the National Library building in the centre of The items and can also assist their research. For this rea-
Hague. The collections are stored in static stacks in son, the Conservation Department is conducting a
29 climate-controlled compartments over 9 floors. survey of the condition of different special collec-
The current system will pose several challenges in the tions’ materials; this assessment ought to provide an
future. First, there is limited space for the collection to overview that the KB can use to plan its move and for
grow. Second, the building needs renovations that will the long-term prioritisation of collection-care activi-
be extremely expensive to make. Third, the use of ties. The KB is exploring ways in which the visual and
space for storage in a prime location in the centre of tactile aspects of these items can be captured and
the city is not economically sustainable. Finally, the preserved. Virtual reality offers perhaps the best
way patrons use the library is changing; there are opportunity to achieve this aim.
markedly fewer requests for physical items, aside
from special collections, and there is increased access
to digitised materials online.
The 360 images of the special collections’
For these reasons, the KB is exploring the possibil- storage: methods and approaches (Marzia
ity of moving its entire physical collection off-site to a Loddo)
dedicated external facility. Modelling its plans on the If the KB chooses an ASRS, it would radically change
cooperative library storage facility in Büron, the KB the way in which it currently manages access to its
is considering an automated, super-high-density stor- collections. The care and maintenance of the collec-
age facility with passive climate control. The planned tions, performed by stack-keepers and conservators,
building would passively maintain a safe climate for relies on their having access to the stacks. Although
collections, with the temperatures adjusting with the access to special collections is restricted to authorised
seasons and the relative humidity stabilised by the staff, they benefit from access to them for research.
dense storage of the hygroscopic collections them- All this might change in the future, however. A large
selves, which are capable of absorbing and desorbing part of the collections has already been digitised and
moisture from the air. The KB’s location in a tempe- users can access the digitised versions online. How-
rate climate makes this plan feasible. ever, with these changes, the possibility to look at the
To maximise the benefit of the climate’s lower books in person may largely disappear. In the special
temperatures (10–12 C in winter), the facility should collections of the KB, the books are mainly positioned
be automated and human activity in the storage area by size and date of entry, rather than by subject. How-
limited. These restrictions also facilitate high-density ever, for centuries, open shelves have helped
storage. In order to mitigate fire risk, oxygen levels in researchers find new resources because other relevant
the storage area will be kept artificially low. To miti- books are positioned near those that they know are
gate flood risk, the plan is to construct the building on relevant to their research.
a 2-metre-high artificial hill. With the DIPOT project, Marzia Loddo aims to
ASRSs, where collections are placed in standard preserve high-quality access to the KB’s special col-
plastic or metal containers and organised by size, are lections.1 The current arrangement of the books in
unexceptional. However, the KB’s plan to also store storage was captured by using a 3-D camera (Insta360
its special collections in this environment is more EVO). The camera was installed on a tripod and
novel. Many cultural heritage specialists resist the placed in different areas of the current stacks. Images
idea of a medieval manuscript being confined to a were captured through the technology platform Thin-
plastic container, placed in a high rack and retrieved gLink. Once collected, they were analysed and
Loddo et al.: Experimenting with 360 and virtual reality representations as new access strategies 335

Figure 1. The 360 representation of the KB’s special collections’ storage (Loddo, 2020).

Figure 2. The green button – placed on the book in Figure 1 – redirects the user to the digitised copy of the manuscript
(Wikimedia Commons, 2018).

equipped with interactive elements (Figure 1). With shelf. In addition, this system makes it possible to
this tool, the library could, theoretically, connect each access links that provide information about the author,
book on the 360 image with hyperlinks to the digi- printer, illustrator or former owners. These links
tised copy, a conservation report, additional images might even connect, through linked open data, the
and other materials (Figure 2). Moreover, a user can book selected with other online resources (Loddo,
roam freely in the recorded 360 space, zoom in and 2020). Currently, Marzia Loddo is in the early stages
out for a different view, and make out the titles on the of testing the usefulness of this 360 image with
336 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Figure 3. The virtual reality representation of the carousel book ‘Garage’, with illustrations by N Dear (published
between 1950 and 1960), in the virtual library environment Source: KB-Koninklijke Bibliotheek (2020).

several groups of higher education students at the expired, but the KB conducted research to identify
Delft University of Technology. She is also testing the illustrators of the other books and traced their
360  representations of other settings, including heirs to ask permission to use the books for this proj-
museums, and plans to compare the 3-D representa- ect. This step took several months and is still ongoing
tions with others made using virtual, augmented and for one of the books.
mixed reality. For the virtual reality production, the library colla-
borated with Justin Zijlstra and Tijmen Lohmeijer,
who specialise in making immersive, interactive
Experiments with a virtual reality experiences. With their help, the KB carefully photo-
production of novelty children’s books: graphed the books from all possible angles in the
methods and approaches (Martijn Kleppe library’s photographic studio. Zijlstra and Lohmeijer
and Karin Vingerhoets) then recreated the books in a virtual environment and
One of the special collections of the KB is novelty mapped the photographed footage onto 3-D models.
children’s books, such as pop-ups. Novelty books are They added shadows and surrounding bookcases to
those whose design is more elaborate than leaves give the viewer the feeling of being in a real library
sewn between two flat covers (KB, 2019). The pages (Figure 3). They also added sound effects, such as a
may fold out like a concertina or illustrations may pop voice that reads parts of the story and the background
up. Novelty books are often quite fragile and easily noises of a radio and banging hammers in the car
damaged, particularly if they are used by young read- repair shop.
ers, who are often more enthusiastic than careful Using an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset,
while handling books. Visitors can only access users can explore the books in different ways. They
novelty books on-site and by request. can see a representation of their own hands in the
To preserve the books, the KB is experimenting virtual environment and use them to open the
with virtual reality production as an alternative to books, move them and turn on sound effects. Also,
physical access. The library began this project with moving one’s body allows one to move around in
three novelty books from the 1950s and 1970s – a the virtual world; users can walk around the virtual
pop-up book about Noah’s ark, a carousel book about books and view them from any angle. The virtual
a car repair shop, and a fan-folded street scene – and reality experience lets users enjoy the details of the
one book from 1863 – a picture book on farm life with books close up and appreciate the craftsmanship in
movable parts. The copyright of the last book had a whole new way.
Loddo et al.: Experimenting with 360 and virtual reality representations as new access strategies 337

Discussion Note
This article has investigated two ongoing projects at 1. The full name of Marzia Loddo’s project is ‘DIPOT:
the KB that involve digital-representation techniques. Digital Depot’ (available at: dipot.altervista.org). It is
The first description recounts the early stages of test- a dynamic 3-D representation of art-collection stor-
age facilities as a learning resource to build critical
ing 360 imaging to support virtual access to the
engagement and improve future design.
library’s special collections. Currently, a group of
students at the Delft University of Technology are
testing the system. After this pilot test, the KB intends References
to extend the use of the 360 application to a wider American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
audience. In this way, curators, book historians, Conditioning Engineers (2019) ASHRAE Handbook –
archive professionals, conservators, scholars and the HVAC Applications: Chapter 24 - Museums, Galleries,
general public can virtually browse the KB’s stacks in Archives, and Libraries. ASHRAE: Atlanta, GA, USA.
ways that are impossible in real life, due to restricted Boersma F, Dardes K and Druzik J (2014) Precaution,
access. In addition, this virtual representation will be proof, and pragmatism: Evolving perspectives on the
an invaluable record of what has been collected and museum environment. Conservation Perspectives
how it has changed over time. 29(2): 4–9. Available at: http://www.getty.edu/conserva
The second project has pioneered virtual reality as tion/publications_resources/newsletters/29_2/evolving_
perspectives.html (accessed 3 September 2020).
a means to introduce older books to the general public
Dar M (2018) 3 steps for introducing teens to virtual real-
in an exciting way and help these materials find a new
ity/ALA Midwinter 2018. School Library Journal, 21
audience. Virtual reality is more realistic and vivid February. Available at: slj.com/?detailStory¼3-steps-
than two-dimensional photography. The KB is cur- introducing-teens-virtual-reality-ala-midwinter-2018
rently setting up a user study to understand how dif- (accessed 13 May 2020).
ferent users experience virtual reality and their Figueroa M (2018) In a virtual world: How school, aca-
impressions of its value. The study’s outcomes will demic, and public libraries are testing virtual reality in
determine whether the KB uses virtual reality to open their communities. American Libraries, 1 March. Avail-
up other vulnerable collections to digital access. able at: https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/03/
Because these two projects are closely related, the 01/virtual-world-virtual-reality-libraries/ (accessed 10
authors are considering testing the usability of virtual March 2020).
reality pop-up books in the 3-D-storage environment. Gravbox (2018) Gravbox in the wild. Available at: http://
astro.physics.uiowa.edu/gravbox/ (accessed 15 May
Virtual reality contents could be added to the 360
2020).
images as an interactive element. This project could
Grayburn J, Lischer-Katz Z, Golubiewski-Davis K, et al.
also inspire other library staff to introduce virtual (eds) (2019) 3D/VR in the academic library: Emerging
reality technologies to new audiences. practices and trends. Arlington, VA: Council on Library
and Information Resources.
Declaration of conflicting interests KB, National Library of the Netherlands (2019) ‘Novelty
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with books’ in the children’s books collection. Available at:
respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this https://www.kb.nl/en/themes/novelty-books-in-the-
article. childrens-books-collection (accessed 5 November
2020).
Funding Loddo M (2020) 360 degree image of the KB’s Special
Collection storage. YouTube, 10 October. Available
The author disclosed receipt of the following financial
at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v¼9lEEK44G_7Q
support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of
(accessed 10 October 2020).
this article: The DIPOT project is part of the LEaDing
Milgram P and Kishino F (1994) A taxonomy of mixed
Fellows Postdocs Programme and co-funded with the Delft
reality visual-displays. IEICE Transactions on Informa-
University of Technology. The project has received fund-
tion and Systems 77(12): 1321–1329.
ing from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and
Oyelude AA (2018) Virtual reality (VR) and augmented
innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie
reality (AR) in libraries and museums. Library Hi Tech
grant agreement no. 707404. The opinions expressed in this
News 35(5): 1–4.
document reflect only the authors’ view. The European
Payne L (2007) Library Storage Facilities and the Future
Commission is not responsible for any use that may be
of Print Collections in North America. Dublin, OH:
made of the information it contains.
OCLC Programs and Research.
Weeks D and Chepesiuk R (2008) The Harvard Model and
ORCID iD the rise of shared storage facilities. Resource Sharing
Marzia Loddo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6731-5347 and Information Networks 16(2): 159–168.
338 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Wikimedia Commons (2018) Tower of London surrounded she is implementing more sustainable climate control stra-
by houses and an meadow with walking people. Avail- tegies at the KB, as well as working on plans for a new
able at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category: remote storage facility using passive climate control.
Fore-edges_from_Koninklijke_Bibliotheek#/media/
File:Tower_of_London_surrounded_by_houses_and_ Martijn Kleppe is head of the Research Department at
an_meadow_with_walking_people_-_Fore-edge_paint the KB, National Library of the Netherlands. Before
ing,_KW1740F2.jpg (accessed 12 July 2020).
joining the KB, he worked on several European digital
humanities research projects that focused on opening up
Author biographies (audio)visual and textual archives by using techniques
from the natural language processing domain, speech
Marzia Loddo has worked as an expert in applied arts
recognition and computer vision. At the KB, he now
conservation in several Italian museums. She holds the Eur-
leads the Research Department, which covers topics
opean title of Doctor of Preservation of Architectural Heri-
such as digital preservation, copyright, public library
tage, awarded by the Polytechnic University of Milan in
research, data science, and improving the usability and
2019. In 2020, she published her first monograph, Storage
discoverability of digital content by applying artificial
Facilities for the Collections of Art Museums: A Focus on
intelligence techniques.
the Italian Context (Maggioli Editore), on the topic of art
collections storage. Marzia is currently based in the Nether-
lands where she is a postdoctoral researcher at the Delft Karin Vingerhoets is the curator of the children’s books
University of Technology. She is also an affiliated researcher collection at the KB, National Library of the Netherlands
with the Centre for Global Heritage and Development. and a key user of the Dutch/Flemish catalogue of children’s
books. Before joining the KB, she worked at the library of
Foekje Boersma is head of Collection Care at the KB, the Radboud University Nijmegen. Karin has a Bachelor’s
National Library of the Netherlands. Prior to joining the degree in Art History and a Master’s degree in Dutch,
library, she worked as the programme manager at the Getty with a specialization in youth literature. She started in the
Conservation Institute establishing the Managing Collec- KB as a project manager for various projects and currently
tion Environments Initiative, a multiyear initiative addres- uses that experience on a project rejuvenating a website
sing a number of compelling research questions and about the history of Dutch literature for educational
practical issues pertaining to the control and management purposes. Karin tweets about her work as a curator from
of collection environments in museums. In her current role, @KBKarinV.
 I F LA

Traditional Method

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Applicability of traditional storage 2022, Vol. 48(2) 339–348
ª The Author(s) 2021
methods in Indonesia for today’s Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023077
conservation practice journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Patricia Engel
European Research Centre for Book and Paper Conservation-Restoration, Zentrum für Kulturgüterschutz, Danube University Krems, Austria

Abstract
This contribution aims to distil the experience from several conservation projects in Java, Indonesia, into a
summary of methods in an attempt to arrive at some suggestions for best practice for the preservation of
cultural heritage items in a tropical country. The related projects concerned a museum of contemporary art,
traditional puppet theatre materials, a museum of traditional art and an archive.

Keywords
Indonesia, cultural heritage management, principles of library and information science, preservation,
conservation, collection development, South East Asia, Asia

Introduction Having received an invitation from Mrs Kartika

This contribution aims to distil the experience from Affandi to help with the conservation of her father’s art
several conservation projects in Java, Indonesia, into at the Affandi Museum, and having started a coopera-
a summary of methods in an attempt to arrive at some tive project with the Indonesia Institute of the Arts,
suggestions for best practice for the preservation of Yogyakarta, the author was in a position to obtain fund-
cultural heritage items in a tropical country. The ing from the ASEAN–European Academic University
Network from 2015 onwards (see ASEAN-European
related projects concerned a museum of contemporary
Academic University Network, 2017). The partners in
art, traditional puppet theatre materials, a museum of
the corresponding projects (see Table 1) were the Uni-
traditional art and an archive.
versity of Continuing Education Krems, Vienna Univer-
The main focus area was termite control, with
sity of Technology, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
humidity and temperature being other major consid-
Institute of the Arts, and Affandi Museum.
erations. Attention was also given to ways of avoiding
the need for air-conditioning systems, given that they
consume a lot of energy, which translates into mone- Cases
tary costs, and the power supply is unstable. This In implementing the projects listed in Table 1, we
instability of power supply results in the uncontrolled identified the same core questions again and again,
switching on and off of the heating, ventilation and which we consider to be the key features for a con-
air-conditioning system, which causes rapid tempera- servation concept in any collection, be it items of
ture changes (up to more than 20 C in a few minutes) contemporary art or the oldest traditional puppet in
and puts stress on the artefacts because the material Indonesia. Interestingly, we soon found that, contrary
dries or moistens rapidly and, as a result, contracts to our initial hypothesis that the principal risk was
with water loss or swells with the increase of humid-
ity. Some museums cannot operate their heating, ven-
tilation and air-conditioning systems in a way that Corresponding author:
Patricia Engel, European Research Centre for Book and Paper
would address this problem due to the associated
Conservation-Restoration, Zentrum für Kulturgüterschutz,
costs. However, a more important point is that the Donau-Universität Krems, Dr Karl Dorrekstrasse 30, Krems
problem cannot actually be avoided as there is simply 3500, Austria.
no power supply at night. Email: [email protected]
340 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Table 1. Titles and years of implementation of the ideas about his exhibitions and the museum he had
ASEAN–European Academic University Network projects built according to his own design. The museum con-
carried out to date. sists of several buildings, called ‘galleries’ today.
Year Project title
‘The first gallery (314,6 m2) was built in 1962 and
officially opened in 1974’ (Affandi Museum, n.d.).
2016 Development of an integrated concept for the In 2015, when the collaboration started, the three
restoration of art and architecture at the Affandi galleries of the Affandi Museum were air-
Museum, Yogyakarta conditioned, with the indoor temperature and humid-
2017 The interrelation between the state of the hosted art ity in all three halls during the day suitable for the
and the building performance storage of art. Every night the electricity was switched
2017 Affandi’s art and architecture as a part of the tangible
off for safety reasons. This created a daily tempera-
and intangible heritage of Indonesia
ture fluctuation between 35 C at night and 15 C
2018 A sustainable hygiene concept as a mandatory
conservation aspect for people, paintings on paper during the day, with the corresponding change of rela-
and drawings, and the buildings of the Affandi tive humidity. This change occurred within 20 min-
Museum utes every morning and every evening. It is well
2018 The influence of daylight and natural airflow on the known that changes of humidity and temperature of
architecture of the Affandi Museum this magnitude put considerable stress on art
2019 An archive and museum conservation concept for materials.
paintings on canvas and paper, notebooks, The fear of mould attacks, which had led to the
drawings, glass plates, photographs, plans and films installation of the air-conditioning system, was nev-
at the Affandi Museum and the archives of the ertheless justified. To prevent the outbreak of mould
Temple of Borobudur UNESCO World Heritage and still reduce the stress caused by the humidity
Site, listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World in
changes, the team embarked on a study of traditional
2017 as joint training for establishing a
conservation methods available in the area and the
Department of Conservation and Restoration at
the Indonesia Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta local ways of mould control. The team started to bring
2019 Thermal comfort criteria in Indonesia and Europe together traditional recipes for the storage of fabric
2019 SP24 grants Conservation of wayang beber as a model and measures against mould and insect attacks, and
for a step-by-step conservation approach – explore how houses were built to provide a proper
preparing first teaching modules for the new indoor environment for both artefacts and people. In
Department of Conservation and Restoration of the course of the survey, it was found that insect con-
paintings on paper and canvas at the Indonesia trol could really be achieved with the application of
Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta, Phase I herbs, while mould could be kept at an acceptable
2020 Mobility grant Conservation of wayang beber as a level by proper ventilation.
model for a step-by-step conservation approach –
preparing first teaching modules for the new
Department of Conservation and Restoration of
paintings on paper and canvas at the Indonesia
Insects
Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta, Phase II Table 2 lists the plants that are traditionally used
against insects in Java, as well as their mode of
application.
posed by mould, the greatest challenge was actually To be able to use the plants in other tropical
posed by termites. As our efforts to develop appropri- areas, we needed to know what insects are found
ate conservation concepts progressed, we came to in Indonesian collections. Therefore, information
perceive the need for an appropriate conservation the- on what insects are found in Indonesian museums
ory for Indonesia as another essential requirement. was brought together from the personal knowledge
of the museum staff living and working in Indone-
Affandi Museum sia and from the literature – in particular, the pub-
lication by Diar Ria Pramestiti (Fort Vredeburg
Affandi was one of the most prominent Indonesian Museum). The following list provides a summary:
painters. His works include oil paintings on canvas,
paintings on silk and wood panels, sculptures and Termite: Fransiska Dian Ekarini (Balei Borobu-
works of art on various sorts of paper. These works dir Conservasi) identified from the frass bina-
on paper include pastels, aquarelles, gouache paint- tang teter pemakan kayu. Udaya Cabral, an
ings, ink and pencil drawings, lithographs and engrav- insect expert from the National Library of Sri
ings, as well as his diaries containing sketches and Lanka, identified this insect from a picture the
 Table 2. Plants traditionally used against insects in Java and mode of application.

Name of plant (mix) Name of plant

in Indonesian Name of plant in Latin in English Form of application Method of application or use Source of information

Nilam (see Pogostemon cablin Patchouli Oil Ether oil from nilam or some Ryani Silaban’s father in Medan,
Kompas.com, 2008; other plant of the Pinace family North Sumatra; nilam was
Nuswantoro, 2015) is used for tending to items named as a good disinfectant by
made of iron, stone, wood and several other people too
batik cloth
Lerak Sapindaceae rarak DC Sandindus Lerak fruit are soaked in warm Batik cloth/woven traditional Wiwik Sri Wulandari’s
Kelerak Sapindus rarak water and used to wash batik cloth grandmother from Surakarta,
Rerak cloth Central Java; lerak was also
mentioned as being used for
washing by Kartika Affandi and
Bekti
Pandan Pandanus amaryllifolius Pandan The roots are knotted into a To chase off roaches Kartika Affandi
Pandanus spp (several species) bundle and put in cars, etc.

Akar wangi Chrysopogon zizanioides Vetiveria Used as a dry root Produces a smell that chases away Kartika Affandi and Dr Suastiwi,
zizanioides rats Dean of the Indonesia Institute
of the Arts
Kelor Moringa oleifera Moringa Unclear what kelor is used for; Kartika Affandi
according to Kartika Affandi, it
is used by peasants in villages as
a remedy ‘against everything’
Sereh Cymbopogon citratus Lemon grass Oil and water extract Protection against mosquitos Kartika Affandi
Cengkeh Syzygium aromaticum Clove oil Oil and water extract To chase away insects Fransiska Dian Ekarini, Sri
Wahzuni and others; it was also
used in Vienna in the 1970s by
conservators and for
toothache
Nicotiana tabacum Tobacco No information given but No clear information given Number 11 Standarda
presumably it is used as an
extract in water
(continued)

341
342
Table 2. (continued)

Name of plant (mix) Name of plant

in Indonesian Name of plant in Latin in English Form of application Method of application or use Source of information

Aquilaria malaccensisb Agar wood Aloe No information given in Number Wood burned to produce smoke Number 11 Standard and
wood 11 Standard but other sources (the resin which the tree explanation of its effects by
suggest that the application absorbs in case it is attacked by Riedl
method is smoking a certain fungus is also used in
(fumigation) Chinese medicine)
Vetiveria zizanioides (Chahal et al., Vetiver (a close Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) Used against fungi and mental Number 11 Standard; see also
2015; see also Mallavarapu relative to ether oil (Riedl) illnesses, hysteria, stress, Chahal et al. (2015) for the
et al., 2012; it consists of about lemon grass) sleeplessness, neuroses, etc. fungicide effects of the plant
110 different components, in (oil is believed to calm the
particular: Sesquiterpenen: nerves)
beta-Vetisporin (1.6%–4.5%),
Khusimol (3.4%–13.7%),
Vetisetinerol (1.3%–7.8%) und
alpha-Vetinon (4.5%–6.3%))
Minyak zaitun (see Ann Olea europaea Olive oil Applied to surfaces Wood Mutia Bunga, an Internet
McG, 2011; Kamis, publication (Chahal et al.,
2016) 2015; see also Mallavarapu
et al., 2012)
Piper nigrum Black pepper Black pepper is put in a plastic Remedy against rats Selarti Venetsia Saraswati
bag with small holes in it to
chase away rats
Vigna radiata Mung beans Mung beans are put in a plastic To keep humidity under control, Selarti Venetsia Saraswati
bag with small holes in it and which indirectly prevents
the bag is placed where you mould growth
want to have the humidity
regulated
a
The state regulation to keep collections of natural history (animals and plants) and heritage.
b
Importation of this wood to Europe is forbidden under the Washington Agreement.
Engel: Applicability of traditional storage methods in Indonesia for today’s conservation practice 343

author sent to him as ‘dry wood termite’ research, it does not prevent termite attack for longer
(email, 10 December 2018);1 than clove oil or nelam would.
Kumbang kayu (Anobium punctatum); It can already be said that both methods applied to
Rayap kayu kering (Cryptotermes cynoceptalus); protect cultural heritage items from insects, rodents
Kumbang bubuk (Lyctus brunneus); and mould in Indonesia pose serious health hazards
Rayap tanah (no Latin name given); and must be periodically reapplied. This conclusion is
Kumbang penggerek (Euophryum confine); confirmed by information provided to and observa-
Ernboius mollis (looks like teter in the picture tions made by the author. The frames of Affandi’s
(observation by the author)); drawings had been sprayed with Lentrek three times
Ngengat pakaian (Tineola bisselliella); immediately before the paintings were inserted (in
Kumbang sutera (Tineapellionella); 2015). The frames were checked regularly to see if
Kumbang karpet (Anthrenus verbascii); any new infestation had occurred. In January 2019,
Kumbang bulu (Attegenus pellio); termites were found in one of these wooden frames. It
Siverfish (Lepisma saccharina); was then suggested to apply clove oil or nelam oil
Firebrat (Thermobia domestica); onto the frames instead of Lentrek. At the moment,
Drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum); we cannot monitor the results of this test, as the
Kecoa jerman (Blattella germanica; it may be museum has been closed since spring 2020 due to
added that other sorts of cockroaches were COVID regulations.
also observed, like the Asian and the American Museum Negeri Sonobudoyo houses paintings,
cockroach). books, textiles and wooden carvings illustrating the
history and crafts of the region.4 As part of its pre-
Our research into the methods used by other servation methods, this museum exhibits its artefacts.
museums to deal with insects in Yogyakarta has indi- This might sound strange at first, because usually
cated extensive use of Lentrek. The Indonesian gov- conservators try to keep artefacts safe in a storage
ernment has authorized a standard that addresses area. However, in a warm, humid climate, insect
the issue of insect control in heritage collections. attacks in storage areas can develop quickly, remain
According to a paper recommended by Diar Ria Pra- unobserved and lead to a rapid loss of items. There-
mestiti, this Number 11 Standard (‘Undang-Undang, fore, the museum cooperates with several other
Nomor 11, Tahun 2010, Tentang, Cagar Budaya’) museums in Java in a sort of ‘artefact moving exer-
suggests using Lentrek 400 EC in addition to some cise’. The individual exhibitions are moved on from
herbal substances. There is also a picture of white one museum to the next after a period of time.
balls, most probably a disinfection agent that is used Thanks to the items being moved from one
extensively in bathrooms in Indonesia.2 Using Len- museum to another, galleries are kept under observa-
trek 400 EC in combination with ‘fogging’ is a very tion. The manipulation of the items might mean some
common practice nowadays in many museums and physical stress for them, but this is still less risky than
collections in Indonesia.3 In a publication of the Min- having the artefacts out of sight and out of the
istry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet- museum staff’s control. Furthermore, this ‘moving’
nam, we find ‘chlorpyrifos ethyl’ given as a substance must not be confused with moving a puppet in the
name for the brand name Lentrek 400 EC.4 According framework of a performance. We emphasize here the
to a search for ‘clorpyrifos’ in the ChemicalBook preservation effect of observation and assessment. As
CAS DataBase List, Lentrek is associated with the a side effect, the museums continuously offer inter-
following health hazards: symptoms of organopho- esting information to their visitors, but the important
sphate insecticide poisoning, such as cholinesterase point in terms of conservation is that if some items
inhibition, headache, fatigue, dizziness, blurred went into storage while others were on display, the
vision, weakness, nausea, cramps, diarrhoea, chest stored items would be damaged by insects while
discomfort, sweating, miosis, tearing, salivation, unseen by the conservators. Moving the items helps
vomiting, cyanosis, papilledema and muscle twitch- to preserve them, and this ‘preservation moving’ was
ing. In advanced cases, convulsions, coma, loss of one of the interesting new ideas that came up in the
reflexes and loss of sphincter control may occur. Len- Indonesian museum sector in 2018.
trek can produce mild to moderate eye irritation and The fact that boxed items are more easily attacked
transient corneal injury. Undiluted liquid products can by insects because such attacks are not recognized in
cause skin irritation. Prolonged or repeated exposure time was also confirmed by Kartika Affandi, who
causes superficial burns. According to our own related that she had stored some puppets in a box and,
344 IFLA Journal 48(2)

on opening it some years later, found that they had been acquainted with traditional preservation methods in
reduced to dust by insects. Therefore, modern boxing as Java, we also wanted to understand the traditional
it is used in Europe to create a buffer against rapid way of building houses with respect to their conser-
climate changes, dust and light exposure might work vation features.
well in controlled environments but does not really The temperature and humidity inside traditional
work in a natural environment like that of Indonesia. buildings are equal to outdoor conditions. This has
However, some kinds of boxes work very well as a the advantage of condensation not being such a per-
means of protection in Indonesia. Wayang beber sistent problem as it is in Europe. Additionally, there
(wayang means ‘puppet’ and beber means ‘unrol- is virtually no temperature change between day and
ling’) is a puppet theatre that consists of scrolls made night or over the course of the year. The temperature
of bark-based Indonesian cloth with images illustrat- is relatively high but stable, so no artificial climate
ing traditional stories painted on them, which are pre- conditioning is needed. There are traditional wooden
sented while the stories are told and sung, doors with wooden carvings, and air enters the house
accompanied by musicians. In 2003, wayang puppet on one side and leaves it on the opposite side. The
theatre was designated by UNESCO as one of the airflow is known to generally inhibit the growth of
Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of mould. Another important feature of the traditional
Humanity (Hays, 2015). There are three wayang air-conditioning concept is to keep the outer walls
beber still in existence: one is in Wonosari, one is of the house cool by a roof which extends far beyond
in Pacitan and one is in Leiden. They date from the immediate living (or display) space indoors, thus
between 1500 and 1700. While the two puppet thea- giving shade to the walls. A third important element is
tres still owned by Indonesian storytellers are kept in a that no plants grow too close to the house because
traditional way, the scrolls in Leiden are owned by the they would hinder the wind passing around the build-
National Museum of Ethnology and preserved ing. Finally, it is considered important that a house
according to western state-of-the-art methods. Inter- has a proper south-to-north position to get the airflow
estingly, the scrolls in Indonesia are more flexible and from the strongest and most prevalent winds. This
less heavily restored. The hypothesis explaining their recipe is only true for Yogyakarta, as the wind con-
greater flexibility is that it is the result of the higher ditions in other regions of the country are different.
humidity in Indonesia, which is a better environment Airflow therefore seems to be key to the conservation
for the local plant material. Furthermore, they receive of both houses and artefacts, and contributes to both
particular attention and traditional care, and have spe- human health and human comfort.
cial boxes. These boxes are made of hardwood and Interestingly, we found that Gallery 1 of the Affa-
have thick walls and tight, heavy lids. The cavity for ndi Museum originally, before the 2006 earthquake
the scrolls inside the box is small, so that the scrolls – and before its windows were closed, had proper inter-
wrapped in cloth – just fit in tightly. On both ends of nal climate control because the room enjoyed a natu-
the scrolls there are cavities for herbs. The herbs are ral airflow. After the earthquake, the windows were
taken out before the performance and burned, with the filled with bricks, which was considered to give the
smoke spreading over the scrolls, and are then building more stability, but the measure caused sub-
replaced with new herbs. There are also peacock stantial mould problems since the airflow had been
feathers in the box and, according to the explanation stopped.
we were given, insects prefer to attack the feathers In contrast, we found that the ‘House of Kartika’
and ‘leave the scrolls alone’. On another occasion, we Gallery, which is a sort of village museum in which
were told that the feathers ‘hold a spell’. In any case, Kartika Affandi has used old house elements in a new
the box holding the scrolls is stored in a room with artistic manner to create space for her own paintings,
appropriate airflow, standing on a table, so that water does not work well and is mouldy because the airflow
and rodents cannot reach it easily, and the room is is hindered due to the ‘artistic’ construction of the
kept clean at all times. Proper housekeeping is another house, which is wrong climate-wise. The house has
important factor to be taken into account in tropical a proper main entrance and also an extending roof, but
countries. Besides insects, rodents are a serious threat. the back wall is very large and the air that enters the
exhibition hall on one side cannot exit it on the oppo-
site side.
Mould These two examples – the renovated Gallery 1 of
Airflow was found to be the key condition for pre- the Affandi Museum and the ‘House of Kartika’
venting mould growth, both for the architecture and building with its serious mould problems – showed
the artefacts on display. As we started to get that our assumptions were right. Again, as in the case
Engel: Applicability of traditional storage methods in Indonesia for today’s conservation practice 345

Table 3. Microorganisms found in the museums in Yogyakarta.

Name of microorganism Health hazard Method of identification in the project

Cladosporium, morphologically Cladosporium tenellum – Microscope slide preparations in glycerol; examination

most similar to Cladosporium no known health under 400x magnification
tenellum hazard
Stachybotrys chartarum Usually considered Survey of the place of contamination and glass-plate
hazardous preparations made by the microbiologist; identification
at 400x magnification and in transmitted light
Rhizopus microsporus var. No known health hazard On paper strips, on cardboard and in cultures on
oligosporus Sabouraud dextrose agar contact plates
Curvularia lunata Hazardous On exposed paper strips
Aspergillus niger Hazardous, allergenic In cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar contact plates
Metarhizium anisopliae Hazardous In cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar contact plates
Candida tropicalis Serious health hazard In cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar contact plates

Table 4. Substances that are effective against insects and/or mould.

Plant or mix name Active substance Effective against

Nicotiana tabacum Nicotine Insects

Vetiveria zizanioides Consists of about 110 different substances, in particular: Sesquiterpenen: Mould
beta-Vetisporin (1.6%–4.5%), Khusimol (3.4%–13.7%), Vetisetinerol
(1.3%–7.8%) and alpha-Vetinon (4.5%–6.3%)
Nilam (Pogostemon The oil contains camphen, zimtaldehyd, benzaldehyd, pinen, azulen, oxide, Bacteria, fungi and
cablin) sesquiterpene (which play an important role in conservation), insects
monoterpene, guaiacol, patchoulipyridin, patchoulan, eugenol, pachipodol,
caryophyllen (which also can be found in clove oil), cardinen,
sesquiterpinole and ketone
Sapindus rarak DC Oil of fruit shells contains eight different acetylated acyclic sesquiterpen- Bacteria, fungi and
oligoglykosides plus the Mukoroziosidea (Kim and Kinghorn, 2002) of Type protozoas
Ia, Iia and IIb
Kelor Kelor leaf has a high polyphenol content, which is useful as an antioxidant Bacteria

of insects, in the case of mould we identified the meal and before handling cultural heritage items
species that might allow us to apply the accumulated becomes more important than in other cultures.
knowledge in other cases. A list of the species found
in the museums in Yogyakarta, was identified by Har-
ald Riedl and is presented in Table 3. Borobudur archive
Harald Riedl was in Yogyakarta in 2019 and Recently, we learned that there is an important col-
worked in the team as a volunteer researcher. His lection of glass slides documenting the preservation
method of observation was visual observation under of the Borobudur Temple at Gadjah Mada University
a microscope, culture breeding and second visual and at the Balei Borobudur Yogyakarta Archives
observation. Even though ensuring airflow was iden- which is a collection listed as written world heritage
tified as the main means of combating mould, we tried as well as at the International Centre for the Study of
to identify the active substances in the plants and the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property,
understand whether they would work against insects Rome. The material will be of considerable value for
or mould, or both. A list of the substances that Riedl experts in building conservation and therefore must
concluded are effective against insects and/or mould initially be preserved as archive material. Previous
is presented in Table 4. ASEAN–European Academic University Network
However, apart from the optimal climate, mould projects have allowed us to build up an appropriate
and insects also need nutrition for their development. infrastructure in Indonesia to do this. The university
Since the traditional Indonesian meal involves eating chair at the Indonesia Institute of the Arts, established
food with one’s fingers, washing one’s hands after a with the help of the ASEAN–European Academic
346 IFLA Journal 48(2)

University Network, is one of the advantages we can keep rats away. The effect of the leaves, fruits and
now build on. Another advantage is the network and roots as brews or oils was considered. Additionally,
activities of ERC at ZKGS at DBU at DUK (European approaches to structural design considered effective
Research Centre for Book and Paper Conservation- in terms of conservation were documented for the
Restoration at Zentrum für Kulturgüterschutz at benefit of the design of future museum buildings.
Department für Bauen und Umwelt at University for We did not seek to prove that substances found in
Continuing Education, Krems). Finally, the ongoing natural herbs are less toxic for humans than industry-
cooperation with the International Centre for the produced insecticides. Our focus on such substances
Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural had to do with the advantages of their greater availabil-
Property, Rome, is our third advantage. The team at ity and lower cost. Plants and substances based on them
Balei Borobudur Yogyakarta has also confirmed that can be applied in rural areas and are affordable for small
termites are considered to be a more serious conser- museums nationwide. Furthermore, it is presumed that
vation problem than mould in the Indonesian local plants work better against local insects. Finally,
environment. industry-made insecticides are generally not as rapidly
degradable as insecticides made directly out of plants.
While only a few hazardous species of mould were
Conclusion
identified (Stachybortys, Curvularia lunata, Aspergil-
It is self-evident that local traditional conservation lus niger, Metarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces
methods and materials (herbs) should be helpful in spec.), termites seem to be the biggest threat for cul-
preventing the destruction of local artefacts and tural heritage items. This was confirmed in an email
houses by local species insects and mould. This con- communication with Julia Brennan (julia@caringfor-
tribution, however, has aimed to encourage the use of textiles.com) in August 2017, who, citing her own
such ‘outdated’ materials and methods, and bring experience, also considered termites as the most seri-
together information on a very limited area which
ous conservation problem in Rwanda and Australia.
may be of interest for the community of professional
Nilam and clove oil could be proven to be effective
conservators as a pool of facts and ideas they might be
in getting rid of termites in the case of both heritage
able to use in similar cases.
items and buildings. Of course, their use requires
A considerable number of plant and herb names, as
permanent control, repeated application and good
well as specific measures aimed at protecting cultural
housekeeping, but the same applies to the use of
heritage items and human health from microorgan-
any substances, including industrially produced dis-
isms and insects in Indonesia, were brought together
infectants such as Lentrek. It could be shown that
by holding interviews with elders and consulting the
the effect of Lentrek had obviously disappeared
literature. Single plant roots, leaves and seeds, as well
as mixtures both applied as unprocessed plant ele- within three years and new termite infestation was
ments (akar wangi or pandan) and oils (cengkeh/ found in paintings. Lentrek was found to be the
clove) or water extracts (sereh/lemon grass), have most widely used modern disinfectant.
been identified. Countless mixtures are used for pro- Clove poses no health hazards to people, while
tecting human health, as well as disinfection. Some of nilam is effective against insects, bacteria and mould.
the plants are used for both humans and heritage pre- Repeated treatment to combat insects and good
servation. Some plants and substances used in Sri housekeeping could be added to the job description
Lanka and neem from India were included in the tests. of the cleaning staff who are frequently employed in
The active substances in the plants were identified Indonesian museums. In Europe, reapplication might
from the literature. Some are known for having a dis- be needed less frequently as the climate is cooler and
infectant effect on mould, others on bacteria. Most of drier, and thus insect and mould growth is slower.
the substances are meant to be used on a preventive This research work is seen as the very first step in a
basis so that infestation does not start. Insects and promising direction. It is clear that:
mould species that are prevalent in Indonesia’s wet,
humid environment were identified by collecting and  A more extensive search for plants with disin-
identifying them and by consulting the literature for fectant properties would help recover further
relevant information. The focus in doing this was, old knowledge of such plants. Therefore, this
however, on species that can harm heritage items or kind of search will be seen as a long-time exer-
museum buildings in one way or another. The fact that cise, and a database of such plants and sub-
rodents represent a further problem was also kept in stances will be established.
mind. It has been found that several plants are used to
Engel: Applicability of traditional storage methods in Indonesia for today’s conservation practice 347

 Biochemists should be involved in the identifi- herbal plants in Yogyakarta; Merck for providing us with
cation of all active substances in the plants an MAS 100 Eco; Udaya Cabral for his help with the dis-
documented. infectants from Sri Lanka; Dr. Ulrike Herbig from Vienna
 Medical experts should be involved to estimate University of Technology for her preliminary tests with
the hazardous doses for humans. insects and cloves; DR Shirlez Indrapradja MD who gave
us the following information on her affiliation: Shirlezsar-
The collection of moulds that can be found on [email protected]; and suggested to consult: https://repo
heritage items in Indonesia will be completed and a sitory.ipb.ac.id/jspui/bitstream/123456789/60986/1/
second attempt to find relevant literature shall be A12ypa.pdf for providing information on the medical
hazards of herbs; Bekti for finding all the herbs that we
made. The ingredients of the mixtures of unknown
needed; Oleg Philippov for proofreading the English text of
substances such as ratus will be identified. More tests this article; and Karika Affandi, Harald Riedl, Selarti
must be designed and performed in known environ- Venetsia Saraswati, Alicia Allue, Fransiska Dian Ekarini,
ments as well as in real-life settings. The main ques- Sri Wahzuni, Rzani Palje Disi Silaba, Mutia Bunga and
tion will be how the heritage material will react with Dissa Aruna Makalingga for their cooperation.
the various substances and for how long they can be
applied without harming the material but keeping Declaration of conflicting interests
their positive effects. Long-term tests and the artifi- The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with
cial aging of the substances will be carried out. Ginger respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this
and other substances that were mentioned as benefi- article.
cial for human health should be included in the tests,
even though such substances have not yet been men- Funding
tioned in the lists of insecticides and fungi-fighting The author disclosed receipt of the following financial sup-
measures protecting cultural heritage. port for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this
It was found that modern boxes, which serve as a article: We thank the ASEAN–European Academic Uni-
versity Network and Landsteiner Foundation for their
buffer against rapid climate changes, dust and light
financial support, without which this research could not
exposure in Europe, are not always appropriate in have been carried out.
Java, as termites can destroy boxed items in an unob-
served manner. However, the traditional boxing of the ORCID iD
wayang beber scrolls in special hardwood boxes, Patricia Engel https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5413-3728
along with fumigation with particular herbs, good
housekeeping and the particular care of these valuable Notes
heritage items, does work well. 1. In this email, Mr Cabral mentions a trap he has devel-
While mould can be kept under control with the use oped to control termites as a simple non-chemical
of traditional building design, ensuring constant air- method.
flow through the building and over heritage items, 2. ‘IPM: Integrated pest management’, by Diar Ria Stya
termites are killed with boiling water – a method that Pramestiti. Provided by Selarti Venetsia Saraswati as a
cannot be applied to works of art on canvas or paper. printout on 11 December 2018.
Clove oil and nilam were found to be effective as a 3. An outdoor procedure called ‘fogging’ takes place, spe-
preventive measure. cifically targeting dengue fever mosquitos; however, the
fog also contains substances which help fight museum
This study of traditional conservation methods also
pests. Along with dengue fever mosquitos, flies and
made it clear that European methods are not fully cockroaches are killed. The active substances in the
applicable in the Indonesian environment. The inte- fogging are Resigen 1.5/10 OS, produced by Bayer
gral way in which art and tradition are incorporated in Environmental Science, which consists of Permethrin
everyday life, and the specific understanding of the 97, 5g/l (Permethrin is a Pyrethroide, CAS Number:
processes of retrieval and loss of information about 52645-53-1); S-bioaletrin, 15g/l (a name for a wider
the past require a new and timely Indonesian conser- range of substances for fighting pestilent insects); 112
vation theory – a topic that must be reserved for piperonyl butoxide, 5g/l (enhances the potency of cer-
another publication. tain pesticides such as carbamates, pyrethrins, pyre-
throids and rotenone); and LD50 > 9280 mg/kg.
Resigen is considered poisonous when humans come
Acknowledgements into contact with it or swallow it. Depending on the
Professor Dr. Sterflinger of the University of Natural specific purpose, there are two different concentrations
Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, for her kind help; in which the substance is applied: (1) so-called ‘thermal
Wiwik Sri Wulandari, Vice Dean of the Indonesia Institute fogging’: 100 ml of Resigen are dissolved in 9900 ml of
of the Arts, for her help with collecting the information on oil/diesel (1 þ 99) to obtain a solution that is ready to
348 IFLA Journal 48(2)

spray – the application dose is 10 litres of the solution news.com/2016/02/18/jangan-direndam-ini-trik-bersih

per hectare – and (2) so-called ‘User Volume Label kan-peralatan-dari-kayu (accessed 29 January 2019).
(ULV)’: 50 ml are dissolved in 450 ml of Resigen oil/ Kim N-C and Kinghorn AD (2002) Sweet tasting and
diesel (1 þ 9) to obtain 500 ml of a spraying solution – sweetness-modifying constituents of plants. Studies in
the application dose is 500 ml of the solution per hec- Natural Products Chemistry 27(H): 3–57.
tare. See http://www.environmentalscience.bayer.my/ Kompas.com (2008) 12 tips merawat batik [12 tips for
Pest-Management/Products/Resigen caring for batik]. Available at: https://nasional.kompas.
4. National CFC and Halon Phase-Out Project (P083593) com/read/2008/08/25/15001895/12.tips.merawat.batik
Vietnam Methyl Bromide Phase-out component, Pest (accessed 29 January 2019).
Management Plan. Mallavarapu GR, Syamasundar KV, Ramesh S, et al.
5. See http://www.sonobudoyo.com/id (accessed 25 (2012) Constituents of south Indian vetiver oils. Natural
August 2019). Product Communications 7(2): 223–225.
Nuswantoro (2015) Bahan-bahan alami ini bisa jadi
pelindung candi dari kerusakan [These natural ingre-
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Our Handmade Home, 23 February. Available at: http:// Patil A and Singh N (2015) Traditional preventive con-
www.our-handmade-home.com/2011/02/using-olive- servation of paper in India. ERC Newsletter 1: 2–7.
oil-as-wood-treatment.html (accessed 29 January 2019). Pelegrini D, Tsuzuki J, Amado C, et al. (2008) Biological
Asao Y, Morikawa T, Xie Y, et al. (2009) Structures of activity and isolated compounds, in Sapindus saponaria
acetylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins, rarasapo- L and other plants of the genus Sapindus. Latin
nins IV, V, and VI, and anti-hyperlipidemic constituents American Journal of Pharmacy 27(6): 922–927.
from the pericarps of Sapindus rarak. Chemical and
Pharmaceutical Bulletin 57(2): 198–203.
Author biography
ASEAN–European Academic University Network (2017)
Selection of best practice research projects. Available Patricia Engel is a senior researcher at the University for
at: https://asea-uninet.org/research-projects/ (accessed Continuing Education, Krems, Austria. She graduated from
25 August 2019). the conservation class of the University of Fine Arts Vienna
Brennan JM, Pianprasankit N and Garcı́a-Alonso L (2017) in 1984 and holds a doctorate and a habilitation degree in
Before they are gone expanded: Capturing traditional tex-
conservation of the University of Fine Arts Warsaw. She
tile preservation knowledge in Southeast Asia and Latin
worked at the National Library in Vienna, the State Library
America. In: ICOM Committee for Conservation 18th tri-
Prussian Heritage in Berlin and as free lance conservator in
ennial meeting, Copenhagen, Denmark, 4–8 September
2017. Available at: https://www.icom-cc-publications- Germany and Austria (amongst others cooperation with
online.org/1683/Before-they-are-gone-expanded–Captur ICCROM and the Austrian federal department of cultural
ing-traditional-textile-preservation-knowledge-in-South heritage) and taught in the Centro del bel libro in Switzer-
east-Asia-and-Latin-America land. From 2000 on she installed the new chair of Book and
Chahal KK, Bhardwaj U, Kaushal S, et al. (2015) Chemical Paper Conservation at the University of Applied Sciences
composition and biological properties of Chrysopogon and Arts in Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Germany
zizanioides (L.) Roberty syn. Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) and was acting professor of it until 2008. P. Engel headed
Nash: A review. Indian Journal of Natural Products and international research projects in conservation of cultural
Resources 6(4): 251–260. heritage, organised international conferences, founded the
Eguchi H, Toibana T, Hotta F, et al. (2015) Severe fungal
European Research Centre for Book and Paper Conserva-
sclerokeratitis caused by Metarhizium anispopliae: A
tion-Restoration, taught in numerous European universities
case report and literature review. Mycoses 58(2): 88–92.
and in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Armenia and is author of
Hays J (2015) Wayang. Available at: http://factsanddetails.
com/indonesia/Arts_Culture_Media_Sports/sub6_4c/ numerous international publications in the field. She works
entry-4056.html#chapter-8 for international organisations such as ICOM – CC and IPH
Kamis (2016) Jangan direndam, ini trik bersihkan peralatan (International Paper Historians). In 2017 she was granted to
dari kayu [A trick to clean wooden equipment]. Bali Austrian awards for her scientific work (Life Science and
Tribune, 18 February. Available at: http://bali.tribun Liese Prokop).
 I F LA

Traditional Method

International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions
Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free 2022, Vol. 48(2) 349–351
ª The Author(s) 2021
library collection Article reuse guidelines:
sagepub.com/journals-permissions
DOI: 10.1177/03400352211023070
journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl

Antonette Mohan Lobo

Library Department, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, India

Madhuri Tikam
Library Department, Hassaram Rijhumal College of Commerce and Economics, India

Abstract
Fumigation is widely used for getting rid of pests. This treatment makes use of chemicals. However, if repeated
applications are not made, the insects and pests tend to breed again. This treatment also does not take care of
the growth of microorganisms that feed on organic substances. India has a warm and humid climate that
encourages the growth of microorganisms. Indian tradition makes use of various herbs and spices to preserve
reading materials. This study was therefore undertaken to view the effect of locally available herbs and spices
on paper. Experiments were carried out in a college laboratory. This was done with the objective of studying
the inhibitory action of neem, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and a mixture of all of these herbs and spices.

Keywords
Library preservation, microbial contamination, natural preservatives

Introduction regular biannual pest control. Based on the presence

Most of the insect species that are likely to infest of microorganisms, the action of naturally occurring
paper collections are attracted to paper because of its substances on these microorganisms was studied.
size and the adhesives and starches that are used,
which all provide food for various insects. Many Need for the study
chemical methods are used regularly to control pests Various library studies carried out across the world
such as silverfish, firebrats, psocids (also known as have found the existence of bacteria-contaminated
booklice) and cockroaches. However, paper, being collections, despite all the precautions taken against
organic in nature, can also be a feeding ground for this (Hempel et al., 2014; Leite et al., 2012; Singh, et
microorganisms. Moreover, packed bookshelves may al., 2011 and Skora, et al., 2015). Such contamination
obstruct airflow and allow airborne microorganisms can also have adverse effects on the health of library
to settle and grow on books. Countries like India have users. Hence, the researchers were interested in ver-
a warm and humid climate, which encourages the ifying the bacterial contamination found in a library
growth of microorganisms that degrade paper. collection and studying the impact of various natural
The control of these microorganisms is a challen- ingredients on these microorganisms. For this study,
ging task as they do not respond to the regular clean- commonly occurring substances such as pepper pow-
ing and pest-control methods of a library. The library der, cinnamon powder, neem oil, clove powder and a
environment offers optimal conditions for the prolif- mixture of all of these were used to study their inhi-
eration of microorganisms, and this contamination not bitory effects.
only has adverse effects on the life of books, but can
also affect the health of users along with the air qual-
Corresponding author:
ity of the library. Antonette Mohan Lobo, SIES College of Arts, Science and
A study was undertaken to identify the microorgan- Commerce, Sion West, Mumbai 400 022, Maharshtra, India.
isms growing on paper that had been put through Email: [email protected]
350 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Table 1. T Test results for Microbial Count

Box number 1 2 3 4 5
Wheat flour þ Wheat flour þ Wheat flour þ a
Combination of Wheat flour þ Wheat flour þ
cinnamon Neem Oil mixture of all the
Natural Inhibitors used pepper powder clove powder
powder herbs and spices
p value .033947 .008919 .249982 .386154 .157923

Method and observation consisted of preparing a ditch in a sterile nutrient agar

The researchers have backgrounds in analytical and plate. The ditch was then filled with the substance
medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry, respec- mixed in nutrient agar and kept till set. The organisms
tively, and were keen to undertake the present study. were streaked evenly across the ditch and incubated
for 24 hours at 37 C. The observed zones of inhibition
They sought guidance and support from the Biotech-
provided the measurable sensitivity of the bacteria to
nology Department at the SIES College of Arts, Sci-
the antimicrobial substance. The entire procedure was
ence and Commerce, which is the parent body of one
done under sterile conditions to prevent
of the researchers. The college is located in the heart
contamination.
of Mumbai, India, and known as a well-respected
A microbial inhibitory count for neem oil was per-
institution that has served the ever-growing educa-
formed in order to confirm its inhibitory action by
tional needs of students from the north and central
using slants (5 ml) of nutrient broth and neem oil
Mumbai suburbs since 1960. The Biotechnology
(1 ml to 3 ml). It was observed that 3 ml of neem oil
Department was established in 2002 and offers had the maximum inhibitory effect. Further, to con-
courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD stu- firm inhibitory action, pellets were made of an equal
dents; it is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory proportion of wheat flour and cinnamon powder,
and other required facilities (such as Polymerase wheat flour and pepper powder, wheat flour and neem
Chain Reaction Instrument and a spectrophotometer). oil, wheat flour and clove powder, and wheat flour
The Biotechnology Department was used to conduct and a mixture of all of the above. These pellets were
the tests as the materials and instruments required for put in boxes containing eight books each, and a stan-
this study were readily available. The late Dr Raja- dard without any inhibitory agent was also main-
laxmi Amudan, an experienced biotechnologist and tained. Swabs were taken before placing the pellets
faculty member of the SIES College of Arts, Science in their respective boxes and after 1 day and 23 days.
and Commerce, mentored the experimental study. The microbial counts were compared, and it was
All of the books selected for the study were sub- observed that there was a reduction in growth.
jected to chemical pest control three times a year. The results of a paired t test to test for a significant
However, the samples collected from these books drop in the number of microorganisms for all five
showed the presence of microorganisms. These methods are shown in Table 1.
microorganisms were identified as belonging to the All of the boxes showed a reduction in the number
Bacillus species by 16S ribosomal RNA tests. The of microorganisms. However, Box 1 and Box 2 – that
subsequent step was to try and inhibit the growth of is, wheat flour þ cinnamon powder and wheat flour þ
these microorganisms with the available resources. pepper powder – showed the greatest reduction in the
Naturally occurring substances like neem, cinnamon, number of microorganisms over the 1–23-day period.
cloves and pepper are readily available and used in The box without any inhibitory agent showed an
day-to-day life. Further, they are known for their med- increase (matlike appearance) in the number of
icinal properties. It was therefore decided to study the microorganisms.
inhibitory effects of these substances.
To study the effect of naturally occurring sub-
stances like neem, cinnamon, cloves and pepper, Findings and suggestions
books belonging to different accession numbers were Even though neem, cinnamon, cloves and pepper all
selected with the view that older books may have exhibited inhibitory properties, neem oil was the most
more contamination compared to newly acquired effective. However, a dusting of neem powder on
books. A ditch-plate method was used to check the books would leave a residue and stick to the hands
inhibitory action of neem oil, cinnamon powder, of users. Neem oil could therefore be mixed with
clove powder and pepper powder. This method methanol and placed in small bottles on bookshelves;
Lobo and Tikam: Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free library collection 351

being volatile, it would evaporate and inhibit the 232720381_Trichocomaceae_Biodiversity_of_Aspergil

growth of microorganisms. A mixture of neem oil and lus_spp_and_Penicillium_spp_residing_in_libraries
methanol in the proportion of 3:2 could be sprayed on (accessed 24 September 2020).
shelves or cotton-wool balls dipped in neem oil could Singh V, Sharma R, Sharma P, et al. (2011) Study of noso-
be placed on shelves. A further detailed study is comial infection (bacterial pathogen) from library
books. Journal of Pharmacy Research 4(10):
required to determine the best method of application.
3849–3850. Available at: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/
Components such as cinnamon powder, pepper viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.734.9402=rep1=pdf
powder and clove powder, and a mixture of all four (accessed 25 September 2020).
herbs and spices, displayed a considerable reduction Skóra J, Gutarowska B, Pielech-Przybylska K, et al. (2015)
in microbial activity. Hence, placing pellets made by Assessment of microbiological contamination in the
mixing equal proportions of wheat flour with cinna- work environments of museums, archives and libraries.
mon powder, pepper powder, clove powder or a mix- Aerobiologia 31(3): 389–401.
ture of all four herbs and spices (and water, and then
drying them) among book stacks can restrict the
growth of microorganisms. Author biographies

Declaration of conflicting interests Dr. Antonette Lobo is the Chief Librarian of SIES College
of Art’s, Science & Commerce, Sion (West), which is a
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with
respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this reputed and well-known institute in Mumbai, in addition
article. she is a Guest Lecturer at University of Mumbai. She has
participated in many seminars, delivered lectures, and
Funding authored many articles.
The authors received no financial support for the research,
authorship and/or publication of this article. Dr. Madhuri Tikam is the Chief Librarian of H R College
of Commerce & Economics since 1997. She is PhD. Guide
ORCID iD and guest lecturer at University of Mumbai. She received
Antonette Mohan Lobo https://orcid.org/0000-0001- the “Best Teacher Award for Outstanding Contribution to
8903-399X Teaching & Education” from “Higher Education Forum”
(2015). She got scholarship from “American Library
References
Association“ (2014). She received nomination from
Hempel M, Rakhra V, Rothwell A, et al. (2014) Bacterial
“SAARC Documentation Center” (2014) and HSNC Board
and fungal contamination in the library setting: A grow-
and University System of Georgia, USA (2003). She
ing concern? Environmental Health Review 57(1): 9–15.
Leite D, Yamamoto ACA, de Souza Amadio JVR, et al. authored a book “Measuring Value of Academic Library”
(2012) Trichocomaceae: biodiversity of Aspergillus spp and many journal articles. She is on editorial board of many
and Penicillium spp residing in libraries. The Journal of international and national journals. She offered information
Infection in Developing Countries 6(10): 734–743. literacy programmes and NAAC consultancy to many
Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ institutions.
 ‫‪I F LA‬‬

‫‪Abstracts‬‬

‫‪International Federation of‬‬

‫‪Library Associations and Institutions‬‬
‫‪Abstracts‬‬ ‫‪2022, Vol. 48(2) 352–370‬‬
‫‪ª The Author(s) 2022‬‬
‫‪Article reuse guidelines:‬‬
‫‪sagepub.com/journals-permissions‬‬
‫‪DOI: 10.1177/03400352221099140‬‬
‫‪journals.sagepub.com/home/ifl‬‬

‫‪Identification and storage of plastics in‬‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﺍﺗﺨﺬﺕ ﻣﺒﺎﺩﺭﺍﺕ ﻋﺪﻳﺪ ﻟﻠﺤﻔﺎﻅ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﺑﻤﺎ‬
‫‪libraries and archives‬‬ ‫ﻓﻲ ﺫﻟﻚ ﺭﻗﻤﻨﺘﻬﺎ ﻓﺈﻧﻪ ﻟﻢ ﻳﻄﺮﺃ ﺃﻱ ﺗﻐﻴﻴﺮ ُﻳﺬﻛﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﻳﺔ‬
‫ﻟﻠﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﺑﻞ ﻳﺘﻌﺮﺽ ﻣﻌﻈﻤﻬﺎ ﻟﻠﺘﻠﻒ ﺑﻄﺒﻴﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻝ ﺑﺴﺒﺐ ﺗﺪﻧﻲ‬
‫ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﻭﺗﺨﺰﻳﻨﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﻭﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﻔﻮﻇﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻌﻨﺎﻳﺔ ﺑﻬﺎ‪ .‬ﻭﻳﻤﻜﻦ‪ ،‬ﺑﺎﺗﺨﺎﺫ ﺍﻹﺟﺮﺍءﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﺎﺳﺒﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺤﺪ ﻣﻦ ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺔ‬
‫ﺷﺎﻧﺘﺎﻝ ﺷﺘﺎﻳﻦ‪ ،‬ﻭﺟﻴﺴﻴﻜﺎ ﺑﻴﺲ‪ ،‬ﻭﻟﻮﺭﺍ ﻣﺎﻛﺎﻥ‬ ‫ﺗﻠﻒ ﺍﻟﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺟﻢ ﻋﻦ ﺗﺄﺛﻴﺮﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻄﻘﺲ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻨﺎﺥ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺘﻨﺎﻭﻝ‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬ ‫ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﺇﻟﻰ ﺟﺎﻧﺐ ﺗﺄﺛﻴﺮﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﺎﺥ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﻄﻘﺲ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﻨﺎﻗﺶ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﺟﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺇﻳﻼﺀ ﺍﻫﺘﻤﺎﻡ ﺧﺎﺹ‬
‫ُﻳﻌﺪ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻵﻣﻦ ﻟﻠﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﻭﻣﻌﺎﻟﺠﺘﻬﺎ ﻣﺸﻜﻠﺔ ﻣﻠﺤﺔ‪ ،‬ﻏﺎﻟﺒﺎ ﻣﺎ‬ ‫ﻟﻠﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬﺍ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﻗﻊ ﺍﻟﺠﻐﺮﺍﻓﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﺗﺨﺎﺫ ﺇﺟﺮﺍءﺎﺕ ﺃﻭ ﺗﻘﻨﻴﺎﺕ‬
‫ﻳﺠﺮﻱ ﺗﺠﺎﻫﻠﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻌﺪﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻷﺭﺷﻴﻒ‪ .‬ﻭﻣﻦ‬ ‫ﻭﻗﺎﺋﻴﺔ ﺑﺴﻴﻄﺔ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺮﻭﻑ ﺃﻧﻪ ﻳﺼﻌﺐ ﺍﻟﻌﻨﺎﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﻧﻈﺮﺍ ﻟﺘﻠﻔﻬﺎ ﺑﻤﻌﺪﻝ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺃﺳﺮﻉ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻷﺧﺮﻯ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﺭﺷﻴﻔﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺃﻥ ﻣﻨﺘﺠﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﻣﺨﻄﻮﻃﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻻﻫﺘﻤﺎﻡ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﻨﺎﺥ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﻓﺎﻧﺎ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﻮﺍﺋﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻨﺎﺥ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻄﻘﺲ‪،‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﺤﻠﻞ ﺍﻟﻀﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺗﺠﺔ ﻋﻤﺎ ُﻳﻄﻠﻖ ﻋﻠﻴﻪ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻚ “ﺍﻟﻀﺎﺭ” ﻗﺪ ﺗﺘﻠﻒ‬ ‫ﻭﺷﻤﺎﻝ ﺷﺮﻗﻲ ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺪ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﻴﻄﺔ‪ ،‬ﻣﺜﻞ ﺍﻟﺼﻮﺭ ﺍﻟﻔﻮﺗﻮﻏﺮﺍﻓﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻷﻭﺭﺍﻕ‪ .‬ﻭﻳﺘﻤﺜﻞ ﺃﺣﺪ‬
‫ﺟﻮﺍﻧﺐ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﻜﻠﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻭﺟﻮﺩ ﻛﻢ ﻫﺎﺋﻞ ﻣﻦ ﺃﺩﻭﺍﺕ ﺗﻌﺮﻳﻒ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻫﻮ ﻣﺎ ﻗﺪ ﻳﻜﻮﻥ ﻣﺮﻫﻘﺎ ﻭﺷﺎﻗﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺁﻥ ﻭﺍﺣﺪ‪ .‬ﺃﻣﺎ ﺍﻟﺠﺎﻧﺐ‬ ‫‪Preservation storage in a flood damage‬‬
‫ﺍﻵﺧﺮ ﻓﻬﻮ ﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ ﺑﻴﺌﺎﺕ ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ ُﻣﺜﻠﻰ ﻟﻠﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﻏﺎﻟًﺒﺎ ﻣﺎ‬ ‫‪mitigation effort at the National Library‬‬
‫ﻳﺘﻌﺬﺭ ﺗﻬﻴﺌﺘﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻨﺤﻮ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺻﻰ ﺑﻪ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺆﻟﻔﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﺸﻮﺭﺓ‪،‬‬ ‫‪of France‬‬
‫ﺑﺴﺒﺐ ﺍﻻﺣﺘﻴﺎﺟﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﺈﻣﻜﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺿﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﺣﺔ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﻓﺮﻧﺴﺎ ﺍﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ ﺃﺛﻨﺎﺀ ﺍﻟﺠﻬﻮﺩ ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻣﻴﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻌﺪﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﻭﺩﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﻔﻮﻇﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺘﻨﺎﻭﻝ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﻣﺸﺮﻭ ًﻋﺎ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺤﺪ ﻣﻦ ﺃﺿﺮﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﻔﻴﻀﺎﻧﺎﺕ‬
‫ُﻳﻨ َﻔﺬ ﺣﺎﻟﻴﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ﻧﻴﻮﻳﻮﺭﻙ‪ ،‬ﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﻢ ﺍﻟﺘﻮﺻﻴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺋﻤﺔ ﺑﺸﺄﻥ‬ ‫ﺳﻴﻠﻴﻦ ﺃﻟﻴﻦ؛ ﻭﺻﻮﻓﻲ ﺟﺮﻳﻨﻮ‬
‫ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ ﻭﺗﺨﺰﻳﻨﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﻳﻮﻓﺮ ﺇﺭﺷﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﻟﺼﻨﻊ ﺃﻧﻮﺍﻉ ﻣﻦ‬ ‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬
‫ﺃﻭﻋﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻗﺎﺑﻠﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﻮﺳﻊ ﻭﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺱ‪ ،‬ﺗﻴﺴﺮ ﻭﺻﻮﻝ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺨﺪﻡ ﻟﻬﺎ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﻳ ﻜ ﺘ ﺴﻲ ﻗ ﺮ ﺍ ﺭ ﺇﺧ ﻼﺀ ﻣﺠ ﻤﻮ ﻋﺔ ﻣ ﻌﺮ ﺿ ﺔ ﻟ ﻠ ﺨﻄ ﺮ ﻣ ﻦ ﻣﻜ ﺘ ﺒﺔ ﺃ ﺛ ﻨ ﺎﺀ ﺇ ﻧﺬ ﺍ ﺭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺼﻴﺎﻧﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﺭﺷﻴﻔﻴﺔ‪،‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻔﻴﻀﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺃﻫﻤﻴﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻐﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻣﺎ ﻟﻢ ﺗُﺪﺭﺱ ﻛﻞ ﺧﻄﻮﺓ ﺩﺭﺍﺳﺔ ﻣﺘﺄﻧﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻓﺈﻥ‬
‫ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻜﺘﺐ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺩﺭﺓ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺮﺳﻮﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺎﻧﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍ ﻟ ﺘﻌ ﺠﻞ ﻓ ﻲ ﺗ ﻨ ﻔ ﻴﺬ ﺃ ﻱ ﻣ ﻨ ﻬﺎ ﻗ ﺪ ﻳﺆﺩ ﻱ ﺇ ﻟ ﻰ ﺗ ﻌﺮ ﻳ ﺾ ﻣ ﺠﻤﻮ ﻋﺎ ﺕ ﻗ ﻴ ﻤﺔ‬
‫ﻟ ﻤﺨ ﺎﻃ ﺮ ﻏﻴ ﺮ ﻣﺘ ﻮﻗ ﻌﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﺍ ﻟ ﺮﻏ ﻢ ﻣ ﻦ ﻗ ﻠﺔ ﺍ ﻟ ﻔﻴ ﻀﺎﻧ ﺎ ﺕ ﺍ ﻟﺘ ﻲ ﺗﺘﻌ ﺮﺽ‬
‫ﻟﻬﺎ ﺑﺎﺭﻳﺲ ﻋﻤﻮﻣﺎ‪ ،‬ﻓﺈﻥ ﻗﺮﺍﺭ ﺍﻹﺧﻼﺀ ﺍﻟﻮﻗﺎﺋﻲ ﻳﺠﺐ ﺃﻥ ﻳُﺘﺨﺬ ﻓﻲ ﻭﻗﺖ‬
‫‪Curation of manuscripts in the tropical‬‬
‫ﻣ ﻨ ﺎ ﺳﺐ ‪ ،‬ﻣ ﻊ ﺍ ﻷ ﺧ ﺬ ﻓﻲ ﺍ ﻻ ﻋ ﺘ ﺒ ﺎ ﺭ ﺍ ﻟﻮ ﻗﺖ ﺍ ﻟ ﻼ ﺯ ﻡ ﻹ ﻋ ﺎ ﺩ ﺓ ﺗ ﺨ ﺰ ﻳ ﻦ ﺍ ﻟ ﻤ ﺠ ﻤ ﻮ ﻋ ﺔ ‪،‬‬
‫‪savanna climate of north-eastern India‬‬
‫ﻭﻭ ﺍ ﻗﻊ ﺍ ﻟﺘ ﻬﺪﻳ ﺪ‪ ،‬ﻭ ﺿﺮ ﻭﺭﺓ ﻣﻮ ﺍ ﺻ ﻠﺔ ﺗﻘ ﺪﻳﻢ ﺍ ﻟ ﺨﺪ ﻣﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻓ ﻲ ﺳﻴ ﺎﻕ ﺧﻄ ﺔ‬
‫ﺍﻻﻫﺘﻤﺎﻡ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻨﺎﺥ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﻓﺎﻧﺎ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﻮﺍﺋﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺷﻤﺎﻝ ﺷﺮﻗﻲ‬ ‫ﺍ ﻟ ﺤ ﻤﺎﻳﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺍ ﻟ ﻔﻴ ﻀﺎﻧ ﺎ ﺕ‪ ،‬ﺍﺑﺘ ﻜﺮ ﺕ ﺍ ﻟ ﻤﻜﺘ ﺒﺔ ﺍ ﻟ ﻮﻃ ﻨﻴﺔ ﺍ ﻟﻔﺮ ﻧﺴﻴ ﺔ ﻧﻤ ﻮﺫ ﺝ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺪ‬ ‫ﺍ ﻟ ﺼﻨﺪ ﻭﻕ ‪ ،‬ﺍ ﻟﺬ ﻱ ﻳﻮ ﻓﺮ ﺍ ﻟ ﻮﻗ ﺖ ﻓ ﻲ ﺣﺎ ﻟﺔ ﺣ ﺪﻭ ﺙ ﻓﻴ ﻀ ﺎﻥ ‪ ،‬ﻭﻳ ﺤﻮ ﻝ ﺩﻭ ﻥ‬
‫ﺳﻮﺩﻳﺐ ﺑﻬﺎﺗﺎﺷﺎﺭﺟﻲ‬ ‫ﻭﻗﻮ ﻉ ﺃ ﺿ ﺮ ﺍﺭ ﺃ ﺛ ﻨﺎﺀ ﺍ ﻹ ﺧﻼ ﺀ‪ .‬ﻭ ﻣﻦ ﺧ ﻼﻝ ﺍ ﻟ ﺠﻤ ﻊ ﺑ ﻴ ﻦ ﺇﻣ ﻜﺎ ﻧ ﻴ ﺔ ﺍ ﻟﻮ ﺻ ﻮﻝ‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬ ‫ﺇ ﻟ ﻰ ﺍ ﻟ ﻮ ﺛﺎ ﺋﻖ ﻭ ﺗﺤ ﻘ ﻴ ﻖ ﻣ ﺘ ﻄ ﻠ ﺒﺎ ﺕ ﺍ ﻷﻣﺎ ﻥ‪ ،‬ﻳ ﻤﻜ ﻦ ﺗ ﻨ ﻔ ﻴﺬ ﻫ ﺬ ﺍ ﺍ ﻟ ﻨ ﻤﻮ ﺫﺝ ﻓ ﻲ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﺳﻴﺎﻗ ﺎ ﺕ ﻣﺨ ﺘﻠﻔﺔ ‪.‬‬
‫ﻳﺘﻤﻴﺰ ﻣﻨﺎﺥ ﺍﻟﺴﺎﻓﺎﻧﺎ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﻮﺍﺋﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺷﻤﺎﻝ ﺷﺮﻗﻲ ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺪ ﺑﺴﻤﺎﺕ ﺧﺎﺻﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﻧﺘﻴﺠﺔ ﺗﻘﻠﺐ ﻃﻘﺲ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﻭﻣﻮﻗﻌﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﺠﻐﺮﺍﻓﻲ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺼﻴﺎﻧﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻨﻤﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﺍﺙ ﺍﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺒﺎﺩﺉ‬
‫ﻭﻳﻮﺟﺪ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻄﻘﺔ ﺃﻛﺜﺮ ﻣﻦ ‪ 50000‬ﻣﺨﻄﻮﻃﺔ ﻧﺎﺩﺭﺓ ﻣﺨﺰﻧﺔ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻢ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻜﺘﺐ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺩﺭﺓ‬
‫ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻒ ﻣﺮﺍﻛﺰ ﺣﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﻤﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺮﻏﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺒﻌﺜﺔ ﺍﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ‬
‫‪Abstracts‬‬ ‫‪353‬‬

‫‪Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage Deciding how to decide: Using the digital‬‬
‫‪solutions at the British Library‬‬ ‫‪preservation storage criteria‬‬
‫ﻣﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﺩﻭﻧﻬﻮﺍﻧﻎ‪ :‬ﺣﻠﻮﻝ ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻣﺒﺘﻜﺮﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﺮﻳﻄﺎﻧﻴﺔ‬ ‫ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺪ ﻛﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﺍﺗﺨﺎﺫ ﻗﺮﺍﺭ‪ :‬ﺍﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ ﻣﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻉ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‬
‫ﺑﻮﻟﻴﻨﺎ ﻛﺮﺍﻟﻜﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺎﺭﻳﺎ ﻣﻮﺯﺍﺭﺕ‬ ‫ﺳﻴﺒﻴﻞ ﺷﺎﻳﻔﺮ؛ ﻭﻧﺎﻧﺴﻲ ﻭﺍﻱ ﻣﺎﻛﺠﻔﺮﻥ؛ ﻭﺇﻟﺪ ﻣﻮ ﺯﻳﻴﺮﺍﻭ؛ ﻭﺃﻧﺪﺭﻳﺎ‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬ ‫ﺟﻮﺛﺎﻟﺲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺳﻴﻨﺜﻴﺎ ﺳﻢ ﻭﻭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬
‫ﺗﻀﻢ ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﺷﺘﺎﻳﻦ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﺮﻳﻄﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺣﻮﺍﻟﻲ ‪ 14000‬ﻟﻔﻴﻔﺔ‪،‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﻭﺷﻈﺎﻳﺎ ﻟﻔﺎﺋﻒ‪ ،‬ﻭﻛﺘﻴﺒﺎﺕ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﺍﻟﺼﻴﻨﻴﺔ ُﻋﺜﺮ ﻋﻠﻴﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﻛﻬﻮﻑ‬ ‫ﺍﻧﺒﺜﻘﺖ ﻣﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ )ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺎﺭ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻳﻠﻲ‬
‫ﻣﻮﻏﺎﻭ ﺍﻟﺒﻮﺫﻳﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻘﺮﺏ ﻣﻦ ﺩﻭﻧﻬﻮﺍﻧﻎ ﺷﻤﺎﻝ ﻏﺮﺏ ﺍﻟﺼﻴﻦ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺼﻒ ﻫﺬﻩ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ( ﻋﻦ ﻣﻨﺎﻗﺸﺔ ﻣﺠﺘﻤﻌﻴﺔ ﺟﺮﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﺆﺗﻤﺮ ﺍﻟﺪﻭﻟﻲ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ ﻋﺸﺮ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﺣﻠﻮﻻ ﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻴﺎﻕ ﻛﻞ ﻣﻦ‬
‫ﻟﻠﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ )‪ (iPRES 2015‬ﺑﺸﺄﻥ ﺗﻄﻮﺭ ﺍﻟﻮﺿﻊ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻳﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﺑﺎﻟُﻨﻬﺞ‬
‫ﻣﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﺃﺑﺤﺎﺙ ﻣﺰﺩﺣﻤﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺸﺮﻭﻉ ﺭﻗﻤﻨﺔ ﻣﺨﻄﻮﻃﺎﺕ ﻟﻮﺗﺲ ﺳﻮﺗﺮﺍ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺠﺎﺭﻱ ﺗﻨﻔﻴﺬﻩ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻮﻗﺖ ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻫﻦ‪ .‬ﻭﻳﻌﺮﺽ ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻝ ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻒ ﺍﻟﺘﺤﺪﻳﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺒﻌﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‪ .‬ﺍﺟﺘﻤﻊ ﻓﺮﻳﻖ ﻋﻤﻞ ﻟﻮﺿﻊ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻨﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻨﻈﻴﻤﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﻳﻮﺍﺟﻬﻬﺎ ﺃﺧﺼﺎﺋﻴﻮ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ ﻓﻲ ﺇﻋﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺇﺭﺷﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﻟﻠﻤﻨﻈﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺴﺘﺨﺪﻡ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ ﺃﻭ ﺗﻮﻓﺮﻫﺎ‪.‬‬
‫ﻭﻧﻈﺮﺍ ﻟﻠﻘﻴﻮﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﻤﺮﺍﻓﻖ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﺋﻤﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻗﺼﻮﺭ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺰﺍﻧﻴﺔ‪،‬‬ ‫ﻭﻇﻬﺮ ﺍﻹﺻﺪﺍﺭ ﺍﻷﻭﻝ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻓﻲ ﺣﻠﻘﺔ ﻋﻤﻞ ‪،iPRES 2016‬‬
‫ﻭ ِﻗﺼﺮ ﺍﻟ ُﻤﻬﻞ ﺍﻟﺰﻣﻨﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻳﺠﺐ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﺧﺼﺎﺋﻴﻲ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ ﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ ﺃﻭﻋﻴﺔ ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺬﻱ ﻳﻮﺟﺰ ﺍﻟﻨﺘﺎﺋﺞ ﺍﻷﻭﻟﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﻭﻃﻠﺐ ﺍﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻘﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺒﺎﺩﻝ‬
‫ﺗﻨﺎﺳﺐ ﺷﻜﻞ ﺍﻟﻠﻔﺎﺋﻒ‪ ،‬ﻻ ﺗﻜﻮﻥ ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺔ ﻭﻣﺎﻧﻌﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﻔﻜﻚ ﻓﺤﺴﺐ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﻧﻤﺎ ﻓﻌﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻔﺮﻳﻖ ﻧﺴ ًﺨﺎ ﺗﻜﺮﺍﺭﻳﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺪﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﺴﻨﻮﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺜﻼﺙ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺿﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﺳﺘﺮﺷﺪﺕ‬
‫ﻀﺎ ﻣﻦ ﺣﻴﺚ ﺍﻟﺘﻜﻠﻔﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻮﻗﺖ‪ .‬ﻭﻣﻊ ﺃﺧﺬ ﺃﻓﻀﻞ ﻣﻤﺎﺭﺳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﺃﻳ ً‬
‫ﺑﺘﻌﻘﻴﺒﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﺘﻤﻊ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ُﺟﻤﻌﺖ ﻣﻦ ﺟﻠﺴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺆﺗﻤﺮ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻻﺳﺘﻌﺮﺍﺿﺎﺕ‬
‫ﺍﻻﻋﺘﺒﺎﺭ‪ ،‬ﻗﺎﻣﻮﺍ ﺑﺘﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﺣﻠﻮﻝ ﺃﺻﻠﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﺤﻘﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﺘﻮﺍﺯﻥ ﺑﻴﻦ ﻣﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎﺕ‬
‫ﻋﺒﺮ ﺍﻹﻧﺘﺮﻧﺖ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺴﻮﺣﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﺘﻤﻠﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﺤﺪﺩﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻘﻴﻮﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﻔﺮﻭﺿﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﻀﻤﻦ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﺤﻠﻮﻝ ﻷﺧﺼﺎﺋﻴﻲ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ ﺳﻼﻣﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﺘﻴﺢ ﺇﻣﻜﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﺪﻯ‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺆﺳﺴﺎﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﻣﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎﺕ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻄﻮﻳﻞ‪ ،‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺗﺮﺳﻲ ﺃﺳﺎﺱ ﺍﻟﺘﻮﺣﻴﺪ ﺍﻟﻘﻴﺎﺳﻲ ﺍﻟﺬﻱ ﻳﻀﻤﻦ ﺗﺠﺎﻧﺲ ﺍﻟُﻨﻬﺞ‬ ‫ﻟﺪﻳﻬﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻘﻴﻴﻢ ﺣﻠﻮﻝ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺯﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﻮﻋﻲ ﺑﻬﺎ‪،‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺒﻌﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﺒﻠﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻭﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ ﻣﻮﺍﺩ ﺗﺪﺭﻳﺒﻴﺔ ﻹﻋﻼﻡ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﻠﻴﻦ ﻭﻏﻴﺮﻫﻢ‪ ،‬ﻣﺜﻞ ﺗﻨﻈﻴﻢ ﺃﻟﻌﺎﺏ ﺗﻮﺿﺢ‬
‫ﻛﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﻣﻮﺍءﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻟﻼﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ‪ .‬ﻭﺻﺪﺭ ﺩﻟﻴﻞ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ ﺟﻨﺒﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺟﻨﺐ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﻣﻊ ﺗﻜﺮﺍﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻟﻲ ﻟﻠﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻟﻠﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺤﺘﻮﻱ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻠﻔﺎﺋﻒ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ‪ ،‬ﻭﺩﻭﻧﻬﻮﺍﻧﻎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺁﺳﻴﺎ ﺍﻟﻮﺳﻄﻰ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻮﺭﻕ‬
‫ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﺘﻜﺮﺍﺭﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ‪ 61‬ﻣﻌﻴﺎ ًﺭﺍ ﻣﺼﻨﻔﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻓﺌﺎﺕ‪ :‬ﺳﻼﻣﺔ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﺤﺘﻮﻯ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻋﺘﺒﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﻜﻠﻔﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺮﻭﻧﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺃﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻘﺪﺭﺓ ﻋﻠﻰ‬
‫‪David O Selznick storyboard rehousing‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺘﻜﻴﻒ‪ ،‬ﻭﻗﺎﺑﻠﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻮﺳﻊ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻷﺩﺍﺀ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺪﻋﻢ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺸﻔﺎﻓﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﻣﺴﻮﺩﺓ‬
‫‪project: A case study‬‬
‫ﺍﻹﺻﺪﺍﺭ ‪ ،4‬ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﻟﻢ ﺗﺼﺪﺭ ﺑﻌﺪ‪ ،‬ﻓﺌﺔ ﺇﺿﺎﻓﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻫﻲ‪ :‬ﺃﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻨﻈﺎﻡ‪ .‬ﻭﺇﺿﺎﻓﺔ‬
‫ﻣﺸﺮﻭﻉ ﺇﻋﺎﺩﺓ ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻗﺼﺺ ﺩﻳﻔﻴﺪ ﺃﻭﻩ ﺳﻴﻠﺰﻧﻴﻚ ﺍﻟﻤﺼﻮﺭﺓ‪ :‬ﺩﺭﺍﺳﺔ‬
‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺗﻘﺪﻳﻢ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻮﻓﻴﺮ ﻣﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺃﺳﺎﺳﻴﺔ ﻋﻦ ﺗﻄﻮﺭﻫﺎ‪ ،‬ﺗﺴﻠﻂ ﻫﺬﻩ‬
‫ﺇﻓﺮﺍﺩﻳﺔ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻀﻮﺀ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺠﺎﻻﺕ ﺟﺪﻳﺪﺓ ﻟﻠﺘﻄﻮﻳﺮ‪ .‬ﺃﻭ ًﻻ‪ ،‬ﺗﻌﺮﺽ ﺍﻟﻨﺘﺎﺋﺞ‬
‫ﺟﻴﻨﻴﻔﻴﻒ ﺑﻴﺮﺱ‬
‫ﺍﻷﻭﻟﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺠﻬﺪ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻤﺮ ﻟﺘﺤﺪﻳﺪ ﻣﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ ﺍﻟﺪﻭﻟﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬
‫ﺗﻜﻨﻮﻟﻮﺟﻴﺎ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺼﻠﺔ‪ .‬ﺛﺎﻧًﻴﺎ‪ُ ،‬ﺗﻨﺎﻗﺶ ﺗﺤﺪﻳﺜﺎﺕ ﺩﻟﻴﻞ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﻭﺩﻟﻴﻞ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ ﻫﻮ ﻣﻜﻤﻞ ﻟﻠﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ ،‬ﺇﺫ ﻳﻮﻓﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺴﻴﺎﻗﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻼﺯﻣﺔ‬
‫ﻓﻲ ‪ ،2018‬ﺃﻋﺎﺩ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ ﻫﺎﺭﻱ ﺭﺍﻧﺴﻮﻡ ﻓﻲ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ﺗﻜﺴﺎﺱ ﻓﻲ ﺃﻭﺳﺘﻦ‬
‫ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺰﻳﺪ ﻋﻠﻰ ‪ 300‬ﻣﺨﻄﻂ ﻗﺼﺺ ﻣﺼﻮﺭﺓ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﺩﻳﻔﻴﺪ‬ ‫ﻟﺘﻨﻔﻴﺬ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ ،‬ﻭﻳﺘﻀﻤﻦ ﺃﻗﺴﺎ ًﻣﺎ ﺑﺸﺄﻥ ﺍﻋﺘﺒﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﺜﻞ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺨﺎﻃﺮ‪،‬‬
‫ﺃﻭﻩ ﺳﻴﻠﺰﻧﻴﻚ ﺍﻟﺸﻬﻴﺮﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺤﻈﻰ ﺑﺈﻗﺒﺎﻝ ﻛﺒﻴﺮ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺪ ﺗﺎﺑﻊ ﺃﺧﺼﺎﺋﻴﻮ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ‬ ‫ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻜﻠﻔﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻓﻬﻢ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﻘﻼﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﺿﻤﺎﻥ ﺳﻼﻣﺔ ﺍﻷﺟﺰﺍﺀ ﺍﻟﺼﻐﻴﺮﺓ‪ .‬ﻭﺃﺧﻴ ًﺮﺍ‪،‬‬
‫ﻫﺬﺍ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺮﻭﻉ ﻣﻨﺬ ﺑﺪﺍﻳﺘﻪ ﻭﺣﺘﻰ ﺇﺟﺮﺍﺀ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺢ‪ ،‬ﻭﻭﺿﻊ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻢ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻨﻔﻴﺬ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻃﺮﺣﺖ ﺃﻣﺜﻠﺔ ﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻴﺎﻗﺎﺕ ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻔﺔ ﻟﺘﺸﺠﻴﻊ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻈﻤﺎﺕ‬
‫ﻭﻣﻦ ﺧﻼﻝ ﺇﻧﺸﺎﺀ ﻧﻤﻮﺫﺝ ﺗﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺟﺪﻳﺪ ﻭﺗﺤﺴﻴﻨﻪ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺪﺍﺭ ﻋﺎﻡ‪ ،‬ﺗﻤﻜﻨﺖ‬ ‫ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ ﻭﻓﻘﺎ ﻷﻭﺿﺎﻋﻬﺎ‪ .‬ﻭﻳﻤﻜﻦ ﺍﻻﻃﻼﻉ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪،‬‬
‫ﻭﺣﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺩﺭﺍﺳﺔ ﻛﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﺗﺄﺛﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﺓ‪ ،‬ﻣﻤﺎ ﺃﺩﻯ ﺇﻟﻰ‬ ‫ﻭﻋﻠﻰ ﺩﻟﻴﻞ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ‪ ،‬ﻭﺃﻟﻌﺎﺏ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻮﺛﺎﺋﻖ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺼﻠﺔ‪،‬‬
‫ﻧﺸﺄﺓ ﺃﻧﻈﻤﺔ ﻭﻫﻴﺎﻛﻞ ﺟﺪﻳﺪﺓ ﺗﺴﻬﻞ ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﻤﻠﻴﺔ ﻭﺳﻴﺮ ﺍﻟﻌﻤﻞ‪ ،‬ﻭﻛﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﺗﺄﺛﺮ‬
‫ﻭﺍﺳﺘﻌﺮﺍﺿﻬﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺮﺍﺑﻂ‪ ،/https://osf.io/sjc6u :‬ﻭﺳﺘﺠﺮﻱ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﺓ ﺑﺎﻟﻮﻋﺎﺀ ﺍﻟﺬﻱ ُﺗﺨﺰﻥ ﻓﻴﻪ‪.‬‬
‫ﻣﺸﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﺍﻹﺿﺎﻓﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺤﺪﻳﺜﺎﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺁﺩﺍﺏ ﺍﻟﻔﻨﻮﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﻌﻠﻮﻡ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺍﻹﻧﺴﺎﻧﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﻛﺎﺩﻳﻤﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﻘﺪﻣﻮ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻳﻴﺲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺨﺎﻃﺮ‪ ،‬ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻉ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻜﺘﺐ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺩﺭﺓ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﻃﻮﻳﻞ ﺍﻷﺟﻞ‪ ،‬ﻭﻧﻈﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻷﺭﺷﻴﻔﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻔﺘﻮﺡ‪.‬‬
‫‪354‬‬ ‫)‪IFLA Journal 48(2‬‬

‫‪Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual reality Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free‬‬
‫‪representations as new access strategies to library collection‬‬
‫‪vulnerable physical collections: Two case‬‬ ‫ﻣﻜﻮﻧﺎﺕ ﻃﺒﻴﻌﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺔ ﻣﻜﺘﺒﻴﺔ ﺧﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﺒﻜﺘﻴﺮﻳﺎ‬
‫‪studies at the KB, National Library of the‬‬ ‫ﺃﻧﺘﻮﻧﻴﺖ ﻣﻮﻫﺎﻥ ﻟﻮﺑﻮ؛ ﻭﻣﺎﺩﻫﻮﺭﻱ ﻓﻴﻜﺮﺍﻡ ﺗﻴﻜﺎﻡ‬
‫‪Netherlands‬‬ ‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬
‫ﺗﺠﺮﺑﺔ ﻋﺮﻭﺽ ﺍﻟﻮﺍﻗﻊ ﺍﻻﻓﺘﺮﺍﺿﻲ ﺑﺰﺍﻭﻳﺔ ‪ 360‬ﺩﺭﺟﺔ ‪ -‬ﺑﻮﺻﻔﻬﺎ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺍﺳﺘﺮﺍﺗﻴﺠﻴﺎﺕ ﺟﺪﻳﺪﺓ ﻟﻠﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺮﺿﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﻠﻒ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﻱ‪:‬‬
‫ُﻳﺴﺘﺨﺪﻡ ﺍﻟﺘﺒﺨﻴﺮ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻧﻄﺎﻕ ﻭﺍﺳﻊ ﻟﻠﺘﺨﻠﺺ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻵﻓﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﻳﻨﻄﻮﻱ ﻫﺬﺍ‬
‫ﺩﺭﺍﺳﺘﺎﻥ ﻟﺤﺎﻟﺘﻴﻦ ﺇﻓﺮﺍﺩﻳﺘﻴﻦ ﻓﻲ ﻣﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﻫﻮﻟﻨﺪﺍ ﺍﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ )‪(KB‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻌﻼﺝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﺳﺘﺨﺪﺍﻡ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻜﻴﻤﻴﺎﺋﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻟﻜﻨﻪ ﺇﺫﺍ ﻟﻢ ُﻳﺴﺘﺨﺪﻡ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻧﺤﻮ‬
‫ﻣﺎﺭﺯﻳﺎ ﻟﻮﺩﻭ‪ ،‬ﻭﻓﻮﻳﻜﻲ ﺑﻮﺭﺳﻤﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺎﺭﺗﻴﻦ ﻛﻠﻴﺐ‪ ،‬ﻭﻛﺎﺭﻳﻦ ﻓﻴﻨﺠﺮﻫﻮﺗﺲ‬ ‫ﻣﺘﻜﺮﺭ‪ ،‬ﻓﺈﻥ ﺍﻟﺤﺸﺮﺍﺕ ﻭﺍﻵﻓﺎﺕ ﺗﺘﻜﺎﺛﺮ ﻣﺮﺓ ﺃﺧﺮﻯ‪ .‬ﻭﻻ ﺗﻬﺘﻢ ﻫﺬﻩ‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬ ‫ﻀﺎ ﺑﻨﻤﻮ ﺍﻟﻜﺎﺋﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺪﻗﻴﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺘﻐﺬﻯ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ‬‫ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺃﻳ ً‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻌﻀﻮﻳﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻧﻈﺮﺍ ﻟﻤﺎ ﺗﺘﻤﺘﻊ ﺑﻪ ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺪ ﻣﻦ ﻣﻨﺎﺥ ﺩﺍﻓﺊ ﻭﺭﻃﺐ ﻳﺸﺠﻊ ﻧﻤﻮ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﺎﺋﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺤﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺪﻗﻴﻘﺔ ﺗﺴﺘﺨﺪﻡ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺪﻳﺔ ﺃﻋﺸﺎﺑﺎ ﻭﺗﻮﺍﺑﻞ ﻣﺘﻨﻮﻋﺔ‬
‫ﻓﻲ ﺃﻭﺍﺧﺮ ﺍﻟﺘﺴﻌﻴﻨﻴﺎﺕ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺿﻲ‪ ،‬ﺃﺳﻔﺮﺕ ﺍﻟﺜﻮﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺷﻬﺪﺗﻬﺎ‬
‫ﻟﻠﺤﻔﺎﻅ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻘﺮﺍءﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺪ ﺃﺟﺮﻳﺖ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﺪﺭﺍﺳﺔ ﻟﻤﻌﺮﻓﺔ ﺗﺄﺛﻴﺮ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺭﺩ ﺍﻹﻟﻜﺘﺮﻭﻧﻴﺔ ﻋﻦ ﻣﺸﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺭﻗﻤﻨﺔ ﻭﺍﺳﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﻄﺎﻕ ﻓﻲ ﺧﻀﻢ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﺟﺔ‬
‫ﺍﻷﻋﺸﺎﺏ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻮﺍﺑﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻮﻓﺮﺓ ﻣﺤﻠًﻴﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻮﺭﻕ‪ .‬ﻛﻤﺎ ﺃﺟﺮﻳﺖ ﺍﻟﺘﺠﺎﺭﺏ ﻓﻲ‬
‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺣﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﻗﻤﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻗﺪ ﺷﺎﺭﻛﺖ ﻣﻜﺘﺒﺔ ﻫﻮﻟﻨﺪﺍ ﺍﻟﻮﻃﻨﻴﺔ )‪،(KB‬‬
‫ﻣﻌﻤﻞ ﺇﺣﺪﻯ ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻴﺎﺕ‪ .‬ﻭﺫﻟﻚ ﺑﻬﺪﻑ ﺩﺭﺍﺳﺔ ﺍﻷﺛﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺜﺒﻂ ﻟﻠﻨﻴﻢ ﻭﺍﻟﻘﺮﻓﺔ‬
‫ﺑﻨﺸﺎﻁ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻷﻧﺸﻄﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﻫﻲ ﺗﻘﺘﺮﺡ ﺍﻵﻥ ﻃﺮ ًﻗﺎ ﺃﻓﻀﻞ ﻟﻠﺤﻔﺎﻅ ﻋﻠﻰ‬
‫ﻭﺍﻟﻘﺮﻧﻔﻞ ﻭﺍﻟﻔﻠﻔﻞ‪ ،‬ﻭﻟﻤﺰﻳﺞ ﻣﻦ ﻛﻞ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻷﻋﺸﺎﺏ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻮﺍﺑﻞ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﻜﺘﺒﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﺤﺴﻴﻦ ﺳﺒﻞ ﺍﻟﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺇﻟﻴﻬﺎ ﻷﻏﺮﺍﺽ ﺗﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ‪.‬‬
‫ﻭﺗﺼﻒ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﻣﺸﺮﻭﻋﻴﻦ ﻳﺠﺮﻱ ﺗﻨﻔﻴﺬﻫﻤﺎ ﻟﻠﺤﻔﻆ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺸﺎﺭﻛﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻣﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺍﻷﻭﻝ‪ ،‬ﻓﻲ ﻣﺮﺍﺣﻠﻪ ﺍﻷﻭﻟﻰ‪ ،‬ﻳﺘﻨﺎﻭﻝ ﺍﺧﺘﺒﺎﺭ ﻗﺎﺑﻠﻴﺔ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻮﻳﺮ ﺑﺰﺍﻭﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺣﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻠﻮﺙ ﺍﻟﺠﺮﺛﻮﻣﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻓﻈﺔ ﺍﻟﻄﺒﻴﻌﻴﺔ‪.‬‬
‫‪ 360‬ﺩﺭﺟﺔ ﻟﺪﻋﻢ ﺍﻟﻮﺻﻮﻝ ﺍﻻﻓﺘﺮﺍﺿﻲ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻣﺴﺘﻮﺩﻉ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ‪ .‬ﻭﺍﻟﺜﺎﻧﻲ‪ ،‬ﻫﻮ ﺇﻧﺘﺎﺝ ﺍﻟﻮﺍﻗﻊ ﺍﻻﻓﺘﺮﺍﺿﻲ ﻟﻸﻏﺮﺍﺽ ﺍﻟﺘﻌﻠﻴﻤﻴﺔ‪،‬‬
‫‪Identification and storage of plastics‬‬
‫ﻭﻛﺘﺐ ﺍﻷﻃﻔﺎﻝ ﺫﺍﺕ ﺍﻹﻃﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﺒﺜﻘﺔ‪ .‬ﻛﻼ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺮﻭﻋﻴﻦ ﻳﻤﻜﻦ ﺃﻥ ﻳﻜﻮﻧﺎ‬
‫‪in libraries and archives‬‬
‫ﻣﺼﺪﺭ ﺇﻟﻬﺎﻡ ﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﺃﺧﺮﻯ ﻟﺘﻘﺪﻳﻢ ﺗﻘﻨﻴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻮﺍﻗﻊ ﺍﻻﻓﺘﺮﺍﺿﻲ‪ ،‬ﺃﻭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻨﻴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺜﻼﺛﻴﺔ ﺍﻷﺑﻌﺎﺩ ﻭﺗﻄﺒﻴﻘﺎﺗﻬﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺟﻤﻬﻮﺭ ﺟﺪﻳﺪ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺼﻒ ﻫﺬﻩ‬ ‫‪图书馆和档案馆中塑料制品的识别与存储‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﻛﻞ ﻣﺸﺮﻭﻉ ﻣﻨﻬﻤﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻮﺿﺢ ﺍﻷﺳﺎﻟﻴﺐ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺨﺪﻣﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻨﺎﻗﺶ ﺍﻟﻨﺘﺎﺋﺞ‬ ‫‪Chantal Stein; Jessica Pace; Laura McCann‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻮﻗﻌﺔ‪.‬‬
‫‪IFLA Journal, 48–2, 275–281‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫‪摘要‬‬
‫ﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺻﻮﺭ ﺑﺰﺍﻭﻳﺔ ‪ 360‬ﺩﺭﺟﺔ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﻮﺍﻗﻊ ﺍﻻﻓﺘﺮﺍﺿﻲ‪،‬‬
‫‪在许多图书馆和档案馆中，塑料制品安全存储及‬‬
‫ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻵﻟﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﻛﺘﺐ ﺍﻷﻃﻔﺎﻝ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ‪.‬‬
‫‪处理是一个紧迫的问题，但经常被忽视 众所周‬‬
‫‪知，塑料很难保养，它比其他馆藏文献更容易变‬‬
‫‪Applicability of traditional storage methods‬‬ ‫‪质 所谓的”有毒”塑料也会产生有害的降解‬‬
‫‪in Indonesia for today’s conservation‬‬ ‫‪物，破坏周围的文献，包括照片和纸张 然而，‬‬
‫‪practice‬‬ ‫‪识别塑料制品的各种工具既繁琐又累赘 另一个‬‬
‫‪原因是，由于许多图书馆和档案馆面临的无障碍‬‬
‫ﺇﻣﻜﺎﻧﻴﺔ ﺗﻄﺒﻴﻖ ﻃﺮﻕ ﺍﻟﺘﺨﺰﻳﻦ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﺪﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺇﻧﺪﻭﻧﻴﺴﻴﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻤﺎﺭﺳﺎﺕ‬ ‫‪需求和空间限制，理想的塑料存储环境往往难以‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻫﻨﺔ‬ ‫‪实现 本文介绍了纽约大学图书馆目前开展的一‬‬
‫ﺑﺎﺗﺮﻳﺸﻴﺎ ﺇﻧﺠﻞ‬ ‫‪个项目，旨在评估现有的识别和存储塑料制品的‬‬
‫ﻣﺠﻠﺔ ﺍﻹﻓﻼ‪2–48 ،‬‬ ‫‪方法，并为开发可扩展存储形式提供指南‬‬

‫ﺍﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‪:‬‬ ‫‪关键词‬‬
‫ﺗﻬﺪﻑ ﻫﺬﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻘﺎﻟﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﺳﺘﺨﻼﺹ ﺍﻟﺘﺠﺎﺭﺏ ﻣﻦ ﺍﻟﻌﺪﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺸﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‬ ‫‪保存，保护，馆藏开发，档案收藏，特藏，善‬‬
‫ﻓﻲ ﺟﺎﻓﺎ‪ ،‬ﺇﻧﺪﻭﻧﻴﺴﻴﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻠﺨﺺ ﺍﻟﻄﺮﻕ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺨﺪﻣﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺤﺎﻭﻟﺔ ﻟﻠﻮﺻﻮﻝ‬ ‫‪本，图形资料‬‬
‫ﺇﻟﻰ ﺑﻌﺾ ﺍﻻﻗﺘﺮﺍﺣﺎﺕ ﻷﻓﻀﻞ ﺍﻟﻤﻤﺎﺭﺳﺎﺕ ﻟﻠﺤﻔﺎﻅ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻨﺎﺻﺮ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﺍﺙ‬
‫ﺍﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻲ ﻓﻲ ﺑﻠﺪ ﺍﺳﺘﻮﺍﺋﻲ‪ .‬ﻭﺗﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺎﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻨﻴﺔ ﺑﻤﺘﺤﻒ ﻟﻠﻔﻦ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﺻﺮ‪،‬‬
‫‪Curation of manuscripts in the tropical‬‬
‫ﻭﻣﻮﺍﺩ ﻣﺴﺮﺡ ﺍﻟﻌﺮﺍﺋﺲ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﺪﻱ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺘﺤﻒ ﺍﻟﻔﻦ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻠﻴﺪﻱ‪ ،‬ﻭﺃﺭﺷﻴﻒ‪.‬‬
‫‪savanna climate of north-eastern India‬‬
‫‪印度东北部热带草原气候环境下的手稿保护‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺮﺋﻴﺴﻴﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺇﻧﺪﻭﻧﻴﺴﻴﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺇﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﺍﺙ ﺍﻟﺜﻘﺎﻓﻲ‪ ،‬ﻭﻣﺒﺎﺩﺉ ﻋﻠﻢ ﺍﻟﻤﻜﺘﺒﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﻌﻠﻮﻣﺎﺕ‪،‬‬ ‫‪Sudip Bhattacharjee‬‬
‫ﻭﺍﻟﺤﻔﻆ‪ ،‬ﻭﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﻴﻢ‪ ،‬ﻭﺗﻄﻮﻳﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺠﻤﻮﻋﺎﺕ‪ ،‬ﻭﺟﻨﻮﺏ ﺷﺮﻕ ﺁﺳﻴﺎ‪ ،‬ﻭﺁﺳﻴﺎ‪.‬‬ ‫‪IFLA Journal, 48–2, 282–288‬‬
Abstracts 355

摘要 开展莲华经手稿数字化项目的背景下，针对馆藏
印度东北部因该地区的热带草原气候和地理位置 的存储和获取方案，以及图书馆员在转移这批馆
特殊而具有独特性 该地区的手稿保存中心存藏 藏的过程中遇到的各种技术和组织方面的挑战
了5万多份珍贵手稿 ”国家手稿使命”组织采取 受现有存储设施、预算限制和项目时间的约束，
了多种举措来保护这些手稿，包括数字化 然 图书馆员必须找到适合卷轴格式、实用且足够宽
而，从目前的观察看来，手稿的物理状态没有重 阔，同时也要具有成本效益和时间效益的保存空
大改观 由于护理不当，大多数手稿材质都在自 间 为了实现最佳存储，他们进一步完善了原始
然老化 由于环境、天气和气候的影响造成的材 方案，平衡了空间要求和限制，从而保证馆藏的
质老化可以通过采取适当的措施来降至最低 本 长期安全和获取便利，同时也奠定了标准化的基
文介绍了该地区手稿的物理状态，以及气候和天 础，有助于确保未来项目方案的统一性
气的影响 另外，文章还讨论了在该地区采用简
关键词
单的预防措施或技术手段对手稿进行特殊护理的
必要性 经卷，保存，敦煌，中亚，保护，纸张
关键词 David O Selznick storyboard rehousing
手稿，保存，热带草原气候，气候，天气，印度 project: A case study
东北部 大卫 塞尔兹尼克插图重新安置项目 案例研究
Preservation storage in a flood damage Genevieve Pierce
mitigation effort at the National Library IFLA Journal, 48–2, 307–317
of France
摘要
法国国家图书馆防洪减灾工作中的保护性存储 2018年，得克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校哈里 兰塞姆
Celine Allain; Sophie Guérinot 中心将广受欢迎且使用频率较高的大卫 塞尔兹
尼克藏品中的300幅电影故事插图进行了迁移 从
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 289–292 项目启动到调查和设计构思，再到项目实施，保
摘要 护人员对整个项目进行了跟踪 通过创建新的存
在洪水警报期间，转移受到威胁的图书馆馆藏是 储模型并在一年内逐渐完善，保存小组了解到存
一个重要的决定 如果不提前作好规划，仓促转 储环境对藏品的影响，并在此基础上建立了新的
移可能会让珍贵的藏品面临无法预测的威胁 尽 系统和架构，以优化流程管理
管在巴黎洪水漫延速度较慢，但考虑到搬迁所需 关键词
的时间、现实的威胁以及持续提供服务的需要，
我们必须在适当的时候作出预防性转移的决定 保存，保护，馆藏开发，艺术与人文文献，高校
法国国家图书馆根据其防洪计划设计了一个盒子 图书馆，信息提供者，特藏，善本
模型，有助于在洪水发生时节省时间，并防止在
转移过程中造成馆藏损坏 该模型将文献的获取 Deciding how to decide: Using the digital
便利性与安全需求结合起来，可以在不同的环境 preservation storage criteria
中应用 如何作出决策 数字保存存储标准的使用
关键词 Sibyl Schaefer; Nancy Y. McGovern; Eld M. O.
保存，保护，馆藏开发，文化遗产管理，图情规 Zhierau; Andrea Goethals; Cynthia C. M. Wu
范，特藏，善本 IFLA Journal, 48–2, 318–331
Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage 摘要
solutions at the British Library 数字保存存储标准(以下简称标准)成型于第12届
国际数字保存会议(iPRES 2015)期间有关数字保
敦煌经卷 英国国家图书馆的创新保存方案 存存储方法的发展前景的讨论 会上成立了工作
Paulina Kralka; Marya Muzart 组，为使用或提供数字保存存储的组织制定工作
指南 标准第一版在2016年举行的国际数字保存
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 293–306
会议上发布，其中简要介绍了工作组的初步成
摘要 果，并向业界征集反馈意见 在过去三年中，工
英国国家图书馆馆藏中有来自中国西北部敦煌莫 作小组以会议、在线评论和调查中收集到的反馈
高窟一个洞穴的大约1.4万件经卷、碎片和小册 为依据，不断更新标准版本并进行分享 它可以
子 本文介绍了研究型图书馆在工作繁重且正在 帮助各机构针对自身情况制定数字保存存储要
356 IFLA Journal 48(2)

求，评估数字保存存储解决方案，加强对数字保 Applicability of traditional storage

存存储的关注，并向从业人员和其他人员提供培 methods in Indonesia for today’s
训材料(如通过一个游戏来演示如何根据自身需要 conservation practice
调整标准) 当前通用版本的标准附带了一份使用
指南，介绍其使用方法 现行版本包含61项内 印度尼西亚传统存储方法在当今保护实践中的适
容，包括内容完整性、成本考虑、灵活性、信息 用性
安全、弹性、可扩展性和性能、支持以及透明 Patricia Engel
度 未发布的第四版还包含另一个类别 系统安
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 339–348
全 除了介绍标准及其完善过程外，本文还重点
介绍了新的发展领域 首先介绍了将标准与相关 摘要
国际数字保存和信息技术标准相匹配的初步结 本文旨在将印度尼西亚爪哇开展的几个保护项目
果 其次讨论了使用指南的更新情况 使用指南 的经验进行归纳提炼，为热带国家保护文化遗产
是对标准的补充，提供了实施标准所需的背景信 项目提供最佳实践 相关项目涉及当代艺术博物
息，另外还包含风险管理、成本、独立性理解和 馆、传统木偶剧院、传统艺术博物馆和档案馆
确保数字安全等几方面内容 最后，本文提供了 等
标准在多种情形中的使用案例，鼓励各机构根据
关键词
自身情况予以使用 标准、使用指南和相关文件
均已公开，可登录https://osf.io/sjc6u/查看， 印度尼西亚，文化遗产管理，图情规范，保存，
后续新增内容也将陆续上传 保护，馆藏开发，东南亚，亚洲
关键词 Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free
标准，风险管理，数字保存存储，数字存储，长 library collection
期存储，开放档案信息系统
无菌馆藏保护中使用的天然成分
Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual Antonette Mohan Lobo; Madhuri Vikram Tikam
reality representations as new access IFLA Journal, 48–2, 349–351
strategies to vulnerable physical
collections: Two case studies at the KB, 摘要
National Library of the Netherlands 熏蒸法被广泛用于消灭害虫 这种处理方法需要
借助化学物质，但如果不反复使用，昆虫和害虫
使用全景图像和虚拟现实作为访问脆弱物理馆藏 往往会再次繁殖 这种方法也无法解决以有机物
的新途径 荷兰国家图书馆的两个案例研究 为食的微生物的生长 印度气候温暖湿润，有利
Marzia Loddo; Foekje Boersma; Martijn Kleppe; 于微生物的生长 印度人传统上利用各种草药和
Karin Vingerhoets 香料来保护阅读材料 因此，本文的目的是观察
当地的草药和香料对纸张的影响 研究人员在一
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 332–338 所大学的实验室里进行实验，研究印楝、肉桂、
摘要 丁香、胡椒以及所有草药和香料的混合物产生的
20世纪90年代末，电子资源的爆炸性增长导致了 抑制作用
大规模数字化项目的涌现，出现了保存数字信息 关键词
的需求 荷兰国家图书馆一直积极参与这些活
动 目前，该馆提出了更好的方法，既可以保存 图书馆保存，微生物污染，天然防腐剂
实体文献，也可以提供公开获取，实现文献的教
育用途 本文介绍了两个正在开展的有关保存保 Identification and storage of plastics in
护和公众参与的项目 第一个项目仍处于早期阶 libraries and archives
段，旨在测试全景图像对于支持在线特藏访问的
Identification et stockage des plastiques
效果 第二个项目是以教育为目的，将少儿立体
书做成虚拟现实 这两个项目有助于激励其他图
dans les bibliothèques et archives
书馆向新的受众推出三维或虚拟现实技术及其应
Chantal Stein; Jessica Pace; Laura McCann
用 本文详细介绍了这两个项目，展示相关技术
的使用方法，并探讨了预期结果 IFLA Journal, 48–2, 275–281
Résumé:
关键词
Stocker et manipuler en toute sécurité des objets
馆藏管理，全景图像，虚拟现实，自动存储，少 en plastique est un problème grandissant et souvent
儿图书，保存，保护 sous-estimé dans de nombreuses collections de
Abstracts 357

bibliothèques et d’archives. Les plastiques sont con- effets du climat et de la météo. Il traite aussi de la
nus pour être difficiles à conserver, dans la mesure où nécessité de procurer des soins particuliers à ces man-
ils peuvent se détériorer plus vite que les autres maté- uscrits dans cette région du monde en appliquant de
riaux présents dans les collections d’archives. Les simples mesures ou techniques préventives.
plastiques dits « malléables » peuvent aussi produire Mots-clés:
des substances dangereuses en se décomposant, Manuscrit, conservation, climat tropical de la
endommageant ainsi les matériaux environnants, y savane, climat, météo, nord-est de l’Inde
compris photos et papiers. D’une part, le problème
est qu’il existe une multitude d’outils disponibles pour Preservation storage in a flood damage
identifier les plastiques, ce qui peut être à la fois fas- mitigation effort at the National Library
tidieux et décourageant. D’autre part, les conditions of France
idéales recommandées par les spécialistes pour con-
server les plastiques sont souvent difficiles à mettre en
Stockage protecteur afin de réduire les
place, du fait des besoins d’accès et des contraintes dommages en cas d’inondation à la
spatiales auxquels de nombreuses bibliothèques et Bibliothèque nationale de France
archives sont confrontées. Cet article présente un pro-
jet en cours dans les bibliothèques de l’Université de
Celine Allain; Sophie Guérinot
New York, projet qui évalue les recommandations IFLA Journal, 48–2, 289–292
existantes pour identifier et héberger les plastiques Résumé:
et donne des conseils pour mettre en place des types En cas d’alerte aux inondations, la décision d’évacuer
d’hébergement évolutifs permettant l’accès aux une collection bibliothécaire en péril est décisive. Si
utilisateurs. elle n’est pas soigneusement pensée, des mesures
Mots-clés: prises à la hâte peuvent exposer de précieuses collec-
Préservation, conservation, développement des col- tions à des menaces imprévisibles. Bien que les inon-
lections, collections d’archives, collections spéciales, dations se développent généralement lentement à
livres rares, matériels graphiques Paris, la décision de procéder à une évacuation pré-
ventive doit être prise au moment opportun, étant
Curation of manuscripts in the tropical donné le temps nécessaire pour le déménagement, la
savanna climate of north-eastern India réalité de la menace et le besoin d’assurer la continuité
des services. Dans le contexte de ce plan de protection
Conservation des manuscrits dans le
contre les inondations, la Bibliothèque nationale de
climat tropical de la savane du nord-est France a conçu un modèle de caisson qui permet de
de l’Inde gagner du temps en cas d’inondation et d’éviter les
dommages en cours d’évacuation. Combinant la pos-
Sudip Bhattacharjee sibilité d’accéder aux documents et les contraintes en
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 282–288 matière de sécurité, ce modèle peut être utilisé dans
Résumé: différents contextes.
En raison du temps variable et de l’emplacement géo- Mots-clés:
graphique, le climat tropical de la savane du nord-est Préservation, conservation, développement des col-
de l’Inde a des caractéristiques particulières. Plus de lections, gestion du patrimoine culturel, principes de
50 000 manuscrits rares sont entreposés dans différ- bibliothéconomie, collections spéciales, livres rares
ents centres de conservation des manuscrits de cette
région. La Mission nationale des Manuscrits a pris de Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage
nombreuses initiatives afin de les conserver, y com- solutions at the British Library
pris leur numérisation. Cependant, aucun changement
significatif n’a été constaté en ce qui concerne l’état
Les manuscrits de Dunhuang: solutions
même des manuscrits. La plupart se détériorent natur- innovantes de stockage à la British Library
ellement faute de soins appropriés. Le processus de
Paulina Kralka; Marya Muzart
détérioration des manuscrits dû aux effets de l’envir-
onnement, des conditions météo et du climat peuvent IFLA Journal, 48–2, 293–306
être atténués à condition de prendre des mesures adé- Résumé:
quates. Cet article aborde l’état dans lequel se trou- La collection Stein de la British Library comprend
vent les manuscrits dans cette région ainsi que les environ 14 000 rouleaux, fragments et recueils en
358 IFLA Journal 48(2)

chinois provenant d’une des grottes du complexe humaines, bibliothèques universitaires, fournisseurs
bouddhique de Mogao près de Dunhuang, dans le d’informations, collections spéciales, livres rares
nord-ouest de la Chine. Cet article décrit les solutions
de stockage pour la collection et les possibilités d’y Deciding how to decide: Using the digital
accéder, dans le contexte d’une bibliothèque de preservation storage criteria
recherche très fréquentée et du projet de numérisation
Décider comment prendre une décision:
en cours des manuscrits du Sûtra du Lotus. L’article
présente les différents défis d’ordre technique et orga- utiliser les critères de stockage pour la
nisationnel que pose la relocalisation de la collection préservation numérique
aux conservateurs de la bibliothèque. Limités par les
Sibyl Schaefer; Nancy Y. McGovern; Eld M. O.
équipements existants de stockage, les contraintes bud-
gétaires et les délais serrés du projet, les conservateurs Zhierau; Andrea Goethals; Cynthia C. M. Wu
doivent fournir un lieu de stockage adapté au format IFLA Journal, 48–2, 318–331
des rouleaux qui soit pratique et évite de devoir les Résumé:
séparer tout en étant aussi rentable et efficace en termes Les critères de stockage pour la préservation numér-
de temps. Visant à mettre en place les meilleures solu- ique (ci-après les Critères) sont issus d’une discussion
tions de stockage, ils ont développé des options origi- commune lors de la 12e Conférence internationale
nales qui tiennent compte aussi bien des exigences consacrée à la préservation numérique (iPRES 2015)
spécifiques en matière de stockage que des contraintes et portant sur l’évolution des méthodes de préserva-
existantes. Ces solutions de stockage permettent aux tion numérique. Un groupe de travail s’est réuni pour
conservateurs d’assurer à long terme la sécurité de la développer une ligne directrice à l’intention des orga-
collection et la possibilité d’y accéder, tout en jetant les nisations qui utilisent ou fournissent des possibilités
bases d’une standardisation afin de pouvoir adopter des de stockage pour la préservation numérique. La pre-
approches homogènes lors de futurs projets. mière version des Critères a été présentée lors d’un
Mots-clés: atelier à l’iPRES 2016, afin d’exposer les premiers
Rouleaux, stockage, Dunhuang, Asie centrale, con- résultats obtenus par le groupe de travail et de susciter
servation, papier des réactions. Ces trois dernières années, le groupe de
travail a partagé plusieurs versions différentes, pre-
David O Selznick storyboard rehousing nant en compte les réactions de la communauté
project: A case study recueillies lors des conférences ainsi que les avis en
ligne et une enquête. Les Critères peuvent notamment
Projet de relocalisation des storyboards de
aider les organisations à déterminer des conditions de
David O. Selznick: une étude de cas stockage pour la préservation numérique, évaluer les
solutions en la matière, sensibiliser aux questions rela-
Genevieve Pierce
tives à ce stockage et fournir du matériel de formation
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 307–317 servant à informer les professionnels et autres, com-
Résumé: prenant un jeu pour démontrer comment les Critères
En 2018, le Centre Harry Ransom de l’Université du peuvent être adaptés à un usage donné. La publication
Texas à Austin a relocalisé plus de 300 storyboards illus- de la dernière version publique en date des Critères
trés de la collection David O. Selznick, une collection était accompagnée d’un Guide d’utilisation pour aider
populaire et fréquemment consultée. Des spécialistes de à les appliquer. Cette publication contient 61 critères
la conservation ont suivi ce projet depuis ses débuts, de regroupés en catégories: intégrité du contenu, consid-
l’étude préalable et de sa conception jusqu’à sa mise en érations sur les coûts, flexibilité, sécurité des informa-
œuvre. En créant un nouveau modèle d’hébergement et tions, résilience, modularité et performances, soutien
en le raffinant en l’espace d’un an, l’unité chargée de la et transparence. La version provisoire 4 non publiée
conservation a pu étudier la façon dont le lieu de stock- comprend une catégorie supplémentaire: sécurité des
age influence un objet, ce qui a permis de concevoir de systèmes. En plus de présenter les Critères et d’offrir
nouveaux systèmes et structures pour faciliter la gestion un contexte à propos de leur évolution, cet article
des processus et des tâches, ainsi que la façon dont un aborde de nouveaux domaines de développement.
objet est impacté par son lieu de stockage. Tout d’abord, il évoque les premiers résultats d’une
Mots-clés: démarche constante visant à cartographier les Critères
Préservation, conservation, développement des col- en tenant compte des normes internationales de pré-
lections, documentation sur les arts et sciences servation numérique et de technologie informatique.
Abstracts 359

Ensuite, il traite des mises à jour du Guide d’utilisa- pourraient inspirer les autres bibliothèques à faire con-
tion. Ce guide complète les Critères en fournissant les naître les technologies en trois dimensions ou en réa-
informations contextuelles nécessaires pour les mettre lité virtuelle à de nouveaux publics, ainsi que leurs
en œuvre, et il comprend des chapitres consacrés à des applications. Cet article décrit chaque projet, expose
considérations telles que gestion des risques, coûts, les méthodes utilisées et aborde les résultats attendus.
comprendre l’indépendance et assurer la protection Mots-clés:
des bits. Enfin, il donne des exemples d’utilisation Gestion des collections, images à 360°, réalité vir-
des Critères dans différents contextes pour encourager tuelle, stockage automatisé, livres pour enfants, pré-
les organisations à les appliquer à leur propre situa- servation, conservation
tion. Les Critères, le Guide d’utilisation, le jeu et les
documents en rapport sont en accès libre et dispon- Applicability of traditional storage
ibles pour consultation sur https://osf.io/sjc6u/, site methods in Indonesia for today’s
sur lequel seront partagées des mises à jour et addi- conservation practice
tions par la suite.
Mots-clés: Possibilité d’utiliser des méthodes de
Critères, normes, gestion des risques, stockage stockage traditionnelles en Indonésie
pour la préservation numérique, stockage numérique, dans le cadre des pratiques actuelles de
stockage sur le long terme, système d’informations conservation
d’archives en accès libre
Patricia Engel
Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual IFLA Journal, 48–2, 339–348
reality representations as new access Résumé:
strategies to vulnerable physical Cette contribution fait le point sur les expériences
collections: Two case studies at the KB, tirées de plusieurs projets de conservation à Java en
National Library of the Netherlands Indonésie et en résume les méthodes, afin de suggérer
quelles peuvent être les meilleures pratiques pour con-
Expérimentation avec des représentations
server les objets du patrimoine culturel dans un pays
à 360˚ et de réalité virtuelle en tant que
tropical. Ces projets concernent un musée d’art con-
nouvelles stratégies d’accès à des temporain, le matériel d’un théâtre de marionnettes
collections matérielles vulnérables: deux traditionnel, un musée d’art traditionnel et une
études de cas à la Bibliothèque royale des archive.
Pays-Bas (KB) Mots-clés:
Indonésie, gestion du patrimoine culturel, principes
Marzia Loddo; Foekje Boersma; Martijn Kleppe; de bibliothéconomie, préservation, conservation,
Karin Vingerhoets développement des collections, Asie du Sud-Est, Asie
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 332–338
Résumé: Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free
À la fin des années 90, l’abondance de ressources library collection
électroniques a donné naissance à des projets de
Ingrédients naturels pour une collection
numérisation à grande échelle, avec la nécessité de
bibliothécaire exempte de bactéries
préserver les informations numériques. La Bibliothè-
que royale des Pays-Bas (KB) s’est impliquée active-
Antonette Mohan Lobo; Madhuri Vikram Tikam
ment dans ces projets. Maintenant, elle propose de
meilleures méthodes pour aussi bien conserver le IFLA Journal, 48–2, 349–351
patrimoine physique des bibliothèques qu’améliorer Résumé:
l’accès à des fins éducatives. Cet article décrit deux La fumigation est largement utilisée pour se débarras-
projets en cours portant sur la conservation et l’en- ser des nuisibles. Ce traitement utilise des produits
gagement du public. Le premier, à un stade précoce, chimiques. Cependant, si les traitements ne sont pas
consiste à tester la possibilité d’utiliser des images à appliqués de façon répétée, les insectes et nuisibles
360° pour permettre d’accéder visuellement à des col- ont de nouveau tendance à se reproduire. Ce traite-
lections spéciales stockées. Le second consiste à pro- ment ne tient pas non plus compte de la croissance des
duire des livres animés pour enfants en réalité microorganismes qui se nourrissent de substances
virtuelle dans un but éducatif. Ces deux projets organiques. L’Inde a un climat chaud et humide qui
360 IFLA Journal 48(2)

favorise la croissance des microorganismes. La tradi- Curation of manuscripts in the tropical

tion indienne utilise diverses herbes aromatiques et savanna climate of north-eastern India
épices pour conserver les matériels de lecture. Par
conséquent, cette étude a été menée pour examiner
Aufbewahrung von Manuskripten im
l’effet sur le papier des herbes aromatiques et des tropischen Savannenklima Nordostindiens
épices disponibles localement. Des expériences ont
eu lieu dans un laboratoire universitaire. Elles avaient
Sudip Bhattacharjee
pour but d’étudier l’action inhibitrice du margousier, IFLA Journal, 48–2, 282–288
de la cannelle, des clous de girofle, du poivre et d’un Abstrakt:
mélange de toutes ces herbes aromatiques et épices. Das Klima der tropischen Savanne im Nordosten
Mots-clés: Indiens zeigt aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Wetter-
Conservation bibliothécaire, contamination micro- bedingungen und der geografischen Lage der Region
bienne, conservateurs naturels besondere Merkmale. In den einzelnen Zentren zur
Erhaltung von Handschriften in dieser Region werden
mehr als 50.000 seltene Handschriften aufbewahrt.
Identification and storage of plastics Die National Mission for Manuscripts hat zahlreiche
in libraries and archives Initiativen zur Erhaltung dieser Manuskripte eins-
Identifizierung und Aufbewahrung von chließlich der Digitalisierung auf den Weg gebracht.
Erhebliche Veränderungen in Bezug auf den phy-
Kunststoffen in Bibliotheken und Archiven
sischen Zustand der Manuskripte wurden jedoch nicht
Chantal Stein; Jessica Pace; Laura McCann festgestellt. Die Qualität der meisten Manuskripte
verschlechtert sich auf natürliche Weise durch
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 275–281 unsachgemäße Pflege. Dem durch Umwelt-, Witter-
Zusammenfassung: ungs- und Klimaeinflüsse verursachten Qualitätsver-
Die sichere Aufbewahrung und Handhabung von lust von Manuskripten kann durch geeignete
Kunststoffobjekten stellt in vielen Bibliotheks- und Maßnahmen entgegengewirkt werden. Dieser Artikel
Archivsammlungen ein großes, aber oft übersehenes befasst sich mit dem Zustand von Manuskripten in
Problem dar. Es ist bekannt, dass die Aufbewahrung dieser Region sowie mit den Auswirkungen durch
von Kunststoffen äußerst schwierig ist, weil deren Klima und Wetter. Außerdem beschreibt er die Not-
Zustand sich viel schneller verschlechtern kann als wendigkeit einer besonderen Pflege der Manuskripte
der anderer Materialien in Archivbeständen. Die an diesem geografischen Ort anhand einfacher vor-
sogenannten „malignant plastics” (= „bösartige”, beugender Maßnahmen oder Techniken.
„heimtückische” Kunststoffe”) können auch schä- Schlüsselbegriffe:
dliche Abbauprodukte erzeugen, die in der Nähe Manuskript, Kuration, Klima der tropischen
befindliche Materialien wie Fotos und Papiere beschä- Savanne, Klima, Wetter, Nordostindien
digen. Ein Teil des Problems ist die Vielzahl der ver-
fügbaren Hilfsmittel zur Identifizierung von
Kunststoffen, die sowohl aufwändig als auch Preservation storage in a flood damage
abschreckend sein können. Außerdem sind die in der mitigation effort at the National Library
einschlägigen Literatur empfohlenen idealen Aufbe- of France
wahrungsbedingungen für Kunststoffe aufgrund der Konservierende Lagerung in der
Auflagen zur Zugänglichkeit und des Platzmangels Nationalbibliothek Frankreichs als
in vielen Bibliotheken und Archiven oft schwer zu
Schutzmaßnahmen im Rahmen von
bieten. In diesem Artikel wird ein aktuelles Projekt
der Bibliotheken der New York University vorgestellt,
Hochwasserschäden
bei dem die bestehenden Empfehlungen für die Iden-
Celine Allain; Sophie Guérinot
tifizierung und Aufbewahrung von Kunststoffen
bewertet und Richtlinien für die Erstellung skalier- IFLA Journal, 48–2, 289–292
barer Lagerungsarten bereitgestellt werden, die den Abstrakt:
Zugriff durch Benutzende verbessern. Während eines Hochwasseralarms ist die Entschei-
Schlüsselbegriffe: dung, eine bedrohte Sammlung einer Bibliothek aus-
Erhaltung, Konservierung, Sammlungsentwick- zulagern, von höchster Bedeutung. Eine voreilige
lung, Archivsammlungen, Sondersammlungen, sel- Verlegung kann dazu führen, dass wertvolle Samm-
tene Bücher, grafische Materialien lungen unvorhergesehenen Bedrohungen ausgesetzt
Abstracts 361

werden. Auch wenn der Zeitverlauf bei Überschwem- entwickelt, bei denen die spezifischen Anforderungen
mungen in Paris zumeist in gemäßigtem Tempo ver- und Beschränkungen der Unterbringung berücksich-
läuft, muss die Entscheidung für eine präventive tigt werden. Diese Aufbewahrungslösungen ermögli-
Auslagerung zum richtigen Zeitpunkt getroffen wer- chen es den Konservatoren: innen, die Sicherheit und
den, wobei die dafür benötigte Zeit, die Wahrschein- Zugänglichkeit der Sammlung langfristig zu gewähr-
lichkeit der Bedrohung und die Notwendigkeit der leisten und gleichzeitig eine Grundlage für die Stan-
Kontinuität beim Leistungsangebot zu berücksichti- dardisierung zu schaffen, die eine einheitliche
gen sind. Im Rahmen ihres Hochwasserschutzplans Vorgehensweise bei künftigen Projekten sicherstellt.
hat die Nationalbibliothek Frankreichs eine Art Kas- Schlüsselbegriffe:
tenmodell entwickelt, mit dem im Falle einer Schriftrolle, Lagerung, Dunhuang, Zentralasien,
Überschwemmung Zeit gespart und Schäden bei einer Konservierung, Papier
Evakuierung verhindert werden. Bei diesem Modell,
das in verschiedenen Kontexten eingesetzt werden David O Selznick storyboard rehousing
kann, werden einerseits die Zugänglichkeit von Doku- project: A case study
menten und andererseits die Sicherheitsanforderungen
berücksichtigt. Projekt zur Umlagerung der Storyboards
Schlüsselbegriffe: von David O. Selznick: Eine Fallstudie
Konservierung, Erhaltung, Sammlungsentwick-
lung, Verwaltung des kulturellen Erbes, Grundsätze Genevieve Pierce
der Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft, Son- IFLA Journal, 48–2, 307–317
dersammlungen, seltene Bücher Abstrakt:
Im Jahr 2018 hat das Harry Ransom Center der
Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage University of Texas in Austin über 300 illustrierte
solutions at the British Library Storyboards für Filme aus der beliebten und häufig
genutzten „David O Selznick Collection” umgelagert.
Dunhuang-Schriftrollen: Innovative Die Konservierungstechniker: innen haben dieses Pro-
Lösungen zur Aufbewahrung in der jekt von seiner Entstehung über die Auslegung und
British Library Konzeption bis hin zur Ausführung betreut. Durch die
Entwicklung eines neuen Aufbewahrungsmodells und
Paulina Kralka; Marya Muzart dessen stetiger Verbesserung im Laufe eines Jahres
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 293–306 konnte die Abteilung für Konservierung die Auswir-
Abstrakt: kungen der Aufbewahrung auf ein Objekt untersuchen,
Die Stein-Sammlung der British Library enthält was zu neuen Systemen und Strukturen zur Erleichter-
etwa 14.000 Schriftrollen, Fragmente und Dokumente ung des Prozessmanagements und der Arbeitsabläufe
in chinesischer Sprache aus einer Höhle im buddhis- führte, und Informationen darüber bot, wie ein Objekt
tischen Mogao-Höhlenkomplex in der Nähe von Dun- durch seine Aufbewahrung beeinflusst wird.
huang im Nordwesten Chinas. Dieser Artikel Schlüsselbegriffe:
beschreibt Aufbewahrungs- und Zugriffslösungen für Erhaltung, Konservierung, Sammlungsentwick-
lung, kunst- und geisteswissenschaftliche Literatur,
die Sammlung im Kontext einer intensiv genutzten
wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken, Informationsanbieter,
Forschungsbibliothek und des derzeit laufenden
Sondersammlungen, seltene Bücher
Digitalisierungsprojekts für das Manuskript des
Lotus-Sutra. In dem Artikel werden die verschiedenen
technischen und organisatorischen Herausforderungen Deciding how to decide: Using the digital
vorgestellt, die sich den Bibliothekskonservatoren: preservation storage criteria
innen bei der Umlagerung stellen. Im Hinblick auf die Entscheidungen zur
Beschränkungen durch die vorhandenen Lagermö-
Entscheidungsfindung: Anwendung von
glichkeiten, das begrenzte Budget und die knappen
Speicherkriterien für die digitale
Projektfristen müssen die Konservatoren: innen eine
Unterbringung schaffen, die dem Format der Schrif- Bestandserhaltung
trolle angemessen ist, praktisch ist und eine räumliche
Sibyl Schaefer; Nancy Y. McGovern; Eld M. O.
Trennung verhindert, aber auch kosten- und zeitspar-
end ist. Unter Berücksichtigung der besten Praktiken
Zhierau; Andrea Goethals; Cynthia C. M. Wu
zur Aufbewahrung haben sie originelle Lösungen IFLA Journal, 48–2, 318–331
362 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Abstrakt: die Kriterien in ihrer eigenen Situation anzuwenden.

Die Speicherkriterien für die digitale Bestandser- Die Kriterien, der Anwendungsleitfaden, das Kriter-
haltung (nachstehend „die Kriterien”) sind aus einer ienspiel und die zugehörigen Dokumente sind frei
Gemeinschaftsdiskussion auf der 12. Internationalen zugänglich und können unter https://osf.io/sjc6u/
Konferenz für digitale Bestandserhaltung (iPRES abgerufen werden; dort werden auch in Zukunft
2015) über die sich entwickelnde Landschaft der Ergänzungen und Aktualisierungen veröffentlicht.
Speicherkonzepte für die digitale Aufbewahrung her- Schlüsselbegriffe:
vorgegangen. Eine Arbeitsgruppe wurde eingerichtet, Kriterien, Normen, Risikomanagement, Speicher-
um einen Leitfaden für Organisationen zu entwickeln, ung zur digitalen Bestandserhaltung, digitale Spei-
die Speicher für die digitale Bestandserhaltung nutzen cherung, Langzeitspeicherung, Open Archival
oder bereitstellen. Die erste Fassung dieser Kriterien Information System (OAIS), dynamisches erweiter-
wurde auf einem iPRES-Workshop 2016 vorgestellt, ungsfähiges Archivinformationssystem
auf dem die vorläufigen Ergebnisse der Arbeitsgruppe
vorgestellt und um Feedback gebeten wurden. Die Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual
Arbeitsgruppe hat in den letzten drei Jahren verschie-
reality representations as new access
dene Fassungen präsentiert, die durch das Feedback
strategies to vulnerable physical
aus der Gemeinschaft, das in Konferenzsitzungen,
Online-Reviews und einer Umfrage gesammelt collections: Two case studies at the KB,
wurde, beeinflusst wurden. Zu den möglichen Ver- National Library of the Netherlands
wendungszwecken der Kriterien gehören die Unter- Experimente mit 360˚- und Virtual-
stützung von Organisationen bei der Entwicklung Reality-Darstellungen als neue
von Anforderungen für die Datenspeicherung zur Zugangsstrategien für gefährdete
digitalen Bestandserhaltung, die Bewertung der dies- physische Sammlungen: zwei Fallstudien
bezüglichen Lösungen, die Sensibilisierung über diese
an der Königlichen Bibliothek der
Form der Bestandserhaltung und die Bereitstellung
von Schulungsmaterial zur Information von Fachleu-
Niederlande
ten und anderen, einschließlich eines Spiels, um auf-
Marzia Loddo; Foekje Boersma; Martijn Kleppe;
zuzeigen, wie die Kriterien in der Praxis angepasst
werden können. Mit der Veröffentlichung der aktuel-
Karin Vingerhoets
len Fassung dieser Kriterien wurde ein Leitfaden zu IFLA Journal, 48–2, 332–338
deren Anwendung veröffentlicht. Diese Ausgabe Abstrakt:
enthält 61 Kriterien, die in diese Kategorien unterteilt In den späten 1990er-Jahren führte die stürmische
sind: Integrität der Inhalte, Kostenerwägungen, Flex- Zunahme elektronischer Ressourcen in Verbindung
ibilität, Informationssicherheit, Ausfallsicherheit, Ska- mit der Notwendigkeit zur Bestandserhaltung digitaler
lierbarkeit und Leistung, Unterstützung und Informationen zu groß angelegten Digitalisierung-
Transparenz. Der unveröffentlichte Entwurf, Fassung sprojekten. Die Königliche Bibliothek der Nieder-
4, enthält eine zusätzliche Kategorie: Systemsicher- lande hat sich aktiv an diesen Aktivitäten beteiligt,
heit. In diesem Artikel werden nicht nur die Kriterien sodass sie jetzt bessere Möglichkeiten vorschlägt,
vorgestellt und Hintergründe zu ihrer Entwicklung um sowohl die physischen Bibliotheksbestände zu
erläutert, sondern auch neue Entwicklungsbereiche erhalten als auch ihre Zugänglichkeit für Bildungsz-
aufgezeigt. Zunächst werden die vorläufigen Ergeb- wecke zu verbessern. In diesem Artikel werden zwei
nisse der laufenden Bemühungen um eine Zuordnung laufende Projekte beschrieben, bei denen es um Bes-
der Kriterien zu den einschlägigen internationalen tandserhaltung und öffentliches Engagement geht. Ein
Normen für digitale Bestandserhaltung und Informa- Projekt, das sich noch in der Anfangsphase befindet,
tionstechnologie vorgestellt. Im Anschluss werden beinhaltet Test hinsichtlich der Anwendbarkeit von
Aktualisierungen des Anwendungsleitfadens erörtert. 360°-Bildern zur Unterstützung des virtuellen
Dieser Leitfaden ist eine Ergänzung zu den Kriterien, Zugangs zu den Beständen der Sondersammlungen.
die die für deren Umsetzung erforderlichen Kontex- Das zweite Projekt umfasst die Erstellung sogenannter
tinformationen bietet und Abschnitte zu wesentlichen Pop-up-Kinderbücher in virtueller Realität zu Bil-
Aspekten wie Risikomanagement, Kosten, Verständ- dungszwecken. Beide Projekte könnten andere Bib-
nis der Unabhängigkeit und Gewährleistung der Bit- liotheken dazu inspirieren, dreidimensionale oder
Verschlüsselung enthält. Schließlich werden Beispiele Virtual-Reality-Technologien und ihre Anwendungen
für die Anwendung der Kriterien in verschiedenen für neue Zielgruppen zu erschließen. In diesem Arti-
Kontexten angeführt, um Organisationen anzuregen, kel werden die einzelnen Projekte beschrieben, die
Abstracts 363

verwendeten Methoden aufgezeigt und die erwarteten um Bücher und andere Dokumente zu konservieren.
Ergebnisse dargelegt. Diese Studie wurde daher durchgeführt, um die Wir-
Schlüsselbegriffe: kung lokal verfügbarer Kräuter und Gewürze auf
Sammlungsmanagement, 360°-Bilder, virtuelle Papier zu untersuchen. Die Experimente wurden in
Realität, automatisierte Lagerung, Kinderbücher, Bes- einem Hochschullabor durchgeführt, um die diesbe-
tandserhaltung, Konservierung züglich gewünschte Wirkung von Neem, Zimt,
Nelken, Pfeffer und einer Mischung aus all diesen
Applicability of traditional storage Kräutern und Gewürzen zu untersuchen.
methods in Indonesia for today’s Schlüsselbegriffe:
conservation practice Bibliothekskonservierung, mikrobielle Kontamina-
tion, natürliche Konservierungsmittel
Anwendbarkeit traditioneller
Lagerungsmethoden in Indonesien für die
heutige Konservierungspraxis Identification and storage of plastics in
libraries and archives
Patricia Engel
Идентификация и хранение пластмасс в биб-
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 339–348 лиотеках и архивах
Abstrakt:
In diesem Beitrag sollen die Erfahrungen aus mehre- Chantal Stein; Jessica Pace; Laura McCann
ren Konservierungsprojekten auf Java (Indonesien) in Шанталь Стайн; Джессика Пейс; Лора Макканн
einer Zusammenfassung der Methoden zusammenge-
fasst werden, um einige Vorschläge im Rahmen bewähr- IFLA Journal, 48–2, 275–281
ter Verfahren zur Erhaltung von Kulturgütern in einem Аннотация:
tropischen Land vorzulegen. Bei den diesbezüglichen Во многих библиотечных и архивных коллекциях
Projekten betraf es ein Museum für zeitgenössische безопасное хранение и обращение с пластиковыми
Kunst, Materialien aus dem Puppenvolkstheater, ein предметами представляет собой насущную и часто
Museum für traditionelle Kunst und ein Archiv. упускаемую из виду проблему. За пластмассами, как
Schlüsselbegriffe: известно, ухаживать трудно, так как они могут
Indonesien, Umgang mit dem kulturellen Erbe, выходить из строя быстрее, чем другие материалы в
Grundsätze der Bibliotheks- und Informationswis- архивных коллекциях. Так называемые “зло-
senschaft, Konservierung, Bestandserhaltung, Samm- качественные” пластмассы также могут выделять
lungsentwicklung, Südostasien, Asien вредные продукты разложения, которые повреждают
окружающие материалы, включая фотографии и
Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free бумаги. Количество доступных инструментов
для идентификации пластмасс также может
library collection
расцениваться как часть проблемы, вследствие их
Natürliche Aspekte für eine bakterienfreie громоздкости и сложности конструкций. Еще одна
Bibliothekssammlung проблема заключается в том, что идеальные условия
хранения пластмасс, рекомендованные в литературе
Antonette Mohan Lobo; Madhuri Vikram Tikam по консервации, часто трудно достижимы. Это вызы-
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 349–351 вается сложностями в их доступности и нехваткой
Abstrakt: места, с чем сталкиваются многие библиотеки и
Ein weit verbreitetes Mittel zur Bekämpfung von архивы. В этой статье представлен текущий проект
Schädlingen ist die Ausräucherung, bei der Chemika- в библиотеках Нью-Йоркского университета. Проект
lien eingesetzt werden. Wenn die Anwendung jedoch посвящён оценке существующих рекомендаций по
nicht regelmäßig wiederholt wird, können sich Insek- идентификации и размещению пластмасс, а также в
ten und Schädlinge wieder vermehren. Bei dieser нем приводятся рекомендации по созданию
Behandlung wird ferner das Wachstum von Mikroor- масштабируемых типов корпусов, поддерживающих
ganismen, die sich von organischen Stoffen ernähren, доступ пользователей.
nicht berücksichtigt. In Indien herrscht ein warmes Ключевые слова:
und feuchtes Klima, das das Wachstum von Mikroor- сохранение, консервация, развитие коллекции,
ganismen begünstigt. In der indischen Tradition wer- архивные коллекции, специальные коллекции,
den verschiedene Kräuter und Gewürze verwendet, редкие книги, графические материалы
364 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Curation of manuscripts in the tropical выполненные действия могут подвергнуть ценные

savanna climate of north-eastern India коллекции непредвиденным угрозам. Хотя навод-
нения в Париже обычно развиваются медленно,
Хранитель рукописей в тропическом саванном
решение о превентивной эвакуации должно при-
климате северо-восточной Индии
ниматься в подходящий момент, учитывая время,
Sudip Bhattacharjee необходимое для перемещения, реальность угрозы
Судип Бхаттачарджи и необходимость обеспечения непрерывности обс-
луживания. В контексте своего плана защиты от
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 282–288 наводнений Национальная библиотека Франции
Аннотация: разработала коробчатую модель, которая спо-
Климат тропической саванны на северо-востоке собствует экономии времени в случае наводнения
Индии имеет особые черты, обусловленные альтер- и предотвращает повреждение во время эва-
нативными погодными условиями и геогра- куации. Сочетая доступность документов с требо-
фическим положением региона. В этом регионе в ваниями безопасности, эта модель может быть
различных центрах хранения рукописей хранится введена в действие в различных контекстах.
более 50 000 редких рукописей. Национальная мис- Ключевые слова:
сия по рукописям предприняла множество сохранение, консервация, развитие коллекций,
инициатив по их сохранению, включая оцифровку. управление культурным наследием, принципы
Однако никаких существенных изменений, библиотечно-информационной науки, специальные
связанных с физическим состоянием рукописей, коллекции, редкие книги
замечено не было. Большинство рукописей подвер-
гаются порче естественным образом из-за непра-
Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage
вильного ухода. Процесс ухудшения качества
solutions at the British Library
рукописей из-за воздействия окружающей среды,
погоды и климата может быть сведен к минимуму Свитки Дуньхуана: Инновационные решения
путем принятия соответствующих мер. В данной для хранения в Британской библиотеке
статье обсуждается состояние физического состоя- Paulina Kralka; Marya Muzart
ния рукописей в этом регионе, а также влияние
климата и погоды. В статье также обсуждается Паулина Кралка; Мария Муцарт
необходимость особого ухода за рукописями в этом IFLA Journal, 48–2, 293–306
географическом местоположении с помощью Аннотация:
простых профилактических мер или особых Коллекция Стейна в Британской библиотеке
техник. содержит около 14 000 свитков, фрагментов и
Ключевые слова: брошюр на китайском языке из пещеры в буддийс-
Рукопись, кураторство, климат тропической ком комплексе пещер Могао близ Дуньхуана на
саванны, климат, погода, северо-восточная Индия северо-западе Китая. В этой статье описываются
способы хранения и виды доступа к коллекции в
Preservation storage in a flood damage контексте загруженной исследовательской библио-
mitigation effort at the National Library теки и продолжающегося в настоящее время
of France проекта оцифровки рукописей Сутры Лотоса. В
статье представлены различные технические и
Сохранность хранилищ в рамках усилий по организационные проблемы, с которыми в период
смягчению последствий наводнения в переезда приходится сталкиваться хранителям биб-
Национальной библиотеке Франции лиотеки. Ограниченные существующими складс-
Celine Allain; Sophie Guérinot кими помещениями, бюджетными ограничениями
и сжатыми сроками реализации проекта, хранители
Селин Аллейн; Софи Герино
должны предоставить помещение, соответст-
Journal, 48–2, 289–292 вующее формату свитка, практичное и предотв-
Аннотация: ращающее разделение, но также эффективное с
Чрезвычайно важным является решение об эва- точки зрения затрат и времени. Учитывая лучшие
куации находящейся под угрозой коллекции биб- практики хранения, они разработали оригинальные
лиотеки во время предупреждения о наводнении. решения, учитывающие конкретные требования к
Если не продумать все тщательно, поспешно хранилищу, а также ограничения. Принятие данных
Abstracts 365

решений для хранения позволяют хранителям обе- Критерии хранения в цифровом формате (далее -
спечить долгосрочную безопасность и доступность Критерии) стали результатом обсуждения
коллекции, при этом закладывается основа стандар- данных вопросов сообществом на 12-й
тизации, которая будет обеспечивать единый Международной конференции по цифровому
подход и для будущих проектов. сохранению (iPRES 2015), посвященной
Ключевые слова: меняющемуся виду подходов к хранению в
Свиток, хранение, Дуньхуан, Центральная цифровом формате. Рабочая группа была созвана
Азия, консервация, бумага для разработки руководства для организаций,
которые либо используют, либо предоставляют
цифровое хранилище для хранения материалов.
David O Selznick storyboard rehousing
Первая версия Критериев была представлена на
project: A case study семинаре iPRES 2016, в ней были изложены пре-
Проект по переезду раскадровки Дэвида О дварительные результаты рабочей группы, а также
Селзника: тематическое исследование запрошена обратная связь. За последние три года
рабочая группа поделилась итеративными вер-
Genevieve Pierce
сиями, основанными на отзывах сообщества,
Женевьева Пирс которые были собраны в ходе конференций,
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 307–317 онлайн-обзоров и опросов. Возможные области
Аннотация: применения Критериев включают оказание
В 2018 году Центр Гарри Рэнсома при помощи организациям в ходе разработки требова-
Техасском университете в Остине разместил более ний к хранилищу цифровых данных, оценку
решений для хранения цифровых данных,
300 иллюстрированных раскадровок фильмов из
повышение осведомленности о хранении
популярной и часто используемой коллекции
цифровых данных и предоставление учебных
Дэвида О Селзника. Специалисты по хранению
материалов для информирования практиков и
отслеживали этот проект с момента его создания
других лиц, включая игру, чтобы продемонстрир-
до разработки концепции и дизайна и вплоть до
овать, как критерии могут быть адаптированы для
его реализации. Создав новую модель помещения
использования. Руководство по использованию
для хранения и усовершенствовав ее в течение
прилагается к выпуску текущей общедоступной
года, Отдел хранения смог изучить, как
версии Критериев с целью помощи в применении
помещение влияет на объект, что привело к созда-
этих Критериев. В этой итерации Критериев
нию новых систем и структур для облегчения
содержится 61 критерий, которые сгруппированы
управления различными процессами, а также на
по категориям: Целостность контента, Соо-
сам рабочий процесс, а также на то, как на объект
бражения стоимости, Гибкость, Информационная
влияет место его размещения. безопасность, Устойчивость, Масштабируемость и
Ключевые слова: Производительность, Поддержка и Прозрачность.
Сохранение, консервация, развитие коллекций, Неизданный черновик, версия 4, включает допол-
художественная и гуманитарная литература, ака- нительную категорию: Безопасность системы. В
демические библиотеки, поставщики инфор- дополнение к введению Критериев и предоставле-
мации, специальные коллекции, редкие книги нию справочной информации об их эволюции, в
этой статье освещаются новые области развития.
Deciding how to decide: Using the digital Во-первых, представлены предварительные
preservation storage criteria результаты продолжающихся усилий по сопостав-
лению Критериев с соответствующими
Решение о том, как принять решение:
международными стандартами сохранения
использование критериев хранения в
цифровых данных и информационных технологий.
цифровом формате Во-вторых, обсуждаются обновления Руководства
Sibyl Schaefer; Nancy Y. McGovern; Eld M. O. по использованию. Руководство по использованию
Zhierau; Andrea Goethals; Cynthia C. M. Wu является дополнением к Критериям и предоставл-
яет собой контекстуальную информацию,
Сибил Шефер; Нэнси И. Макговерн; Эльд М.О.
необходимую для реализации Критериев, а также
Жиерау; Андреа Геталс; Синтия СМ Ву
включает разделы, посвященные таким выводам,
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 318–331 как управление рисками, стоимость, понимание
Аннотация: независимости и обеспечение безопасности бит.
366 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Далее приводятся примеры использования Критер- и их приложений для новых аудиторий. В этой статье
иев в различных контекстах с целью заинтересовать описывается каждый проект, показаны используемые
организации применять Критерии к своей собст- методы и обсуждаются ожидаемые результаты.
венной ситуации. Критерии, Руководство по Ключевые слова:
использованию, игра с критериями и соответст- Управление коллекцией, изображения 360°,
вующие документы открыты и доступны для озна- виртуальная реальность, автоматизированное
комления по ссылке https://osf.io/sjc6u/, там же хранение, детские книги, сохранение, консервация
будут публиковаться будущие дополнения и
обновления. Applicability of traditional storage
Ключевые слова: methods in Indonesia for today’s
Критерии, стандарты, управление рисками,
conservation practice
хранение в цифровом виде, цифровое хранилище,
долгосрочное хранение, Открытая архивная Применимость традиционных методов
информационная система хранения в Индонезии к современной практике
консервации
Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual Patricia Engel
reality representations as new access Патриция Энгел
strategies to vulnerable physical
collections: Two case studies at the KB, IFLA Journal, 48–2, 339–348
National Library of the Netherlands Аннотация:
В данной работе приводится краткое изложение
Эксперименты с представлениями 360° и вир- обобщенного опыта нескольких проектов по
туальной реальностью в качестве новых стра- охране природы на Яве, Индонезия. Данная статья
тегий доступа к уязвимым физическим является обобщением методов в попытке вырабо-
коллекциям: Два тематических исследования тать предложения по наилучшей практике
в КБ, Национальной библиотеке Нидерландов сохранения объектов культурного наследия в тро-
Marzia Lodudo; Foekje Boersma; Martijn Kleppe; пической стране. Соответствующие проекты
Karin Vingerhoets имели отношение к музею современного
искусства, материалам традиционного кукольного
Марция Лоддо; Фукье Бурсма; Мартейн Клеппе; театра, музею традиционного искусства и архива.
Карин Вингерхуц Ключевые слова:
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 332–338 Индонезия, управление культурным наследием,
Аннотация: принципы библиотечно-информационной науки,
В конце 1990-х годов бурный рост электронных сохранение, консервация, развитие коллекции,
ресурсов привел к масштабным проектам Юго-Восточная Азия, Азия
оцифровки в условиях необходимости сохранения
цифровой информации. КБ, Национальная биб- Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free
лиотека Нидерландов, активно участвовала в этих library collection
мероприятиях. В настоящее время библиотека
предлагает лучшие способы как сохранения Натуральные ингредиенты для библиотечной
физических библиотечных материалов, так и коллекции без бактерий
улучшения их доступности для образовательных Antonette Mohan Lobo; Madhuri Vikram Tikam
целей. В этой статье описываются два текущих
проекта, связанных с сохранением и прив- Антонетт Мохан Лобо; Мадхури Викрам Тикам
лечением общественности. Один из них, на IFLA Journal, 48–2, 349–351
ранних стадиях, заключается в проверке использо- Аннотация:
вания 360-градусной визуализации для под- Фумигация широко используется для избавле-
держания виртуального доступа к хранилищу ния от вредителей. При данной обработке
специальных коллекций. Второй - это создание используются химические вещества. Однако, если
виртуальной реальности детских книг pop-up в не проводить повторных обработок, насекомые и
образовательных целях. Оба проекта могли бы вредители, как правило, снова размножаются.
вдохновить другие библиотеки на внедрение Эта обработка не решает проблему роста микроор-
технологий трехмерной или виртуальной реальности ганизмов, которые питаются органическими
Abstracts 367

веществами. В Индии теплый и влажный климат, Curation of manuscripts in the tropical

который способствует росту микроорганизмов. savanna climate of north-eastern India
Индийская традиция использует различные травы
Conservación de manuscritos en el clima
и специи для сохранения материалов для чтения.
Поэтому это исследование было предпринято для
de la sabana tropical en la India
того, чтобы оценить влияние местных трав и nororiental
специй на бумагу. Эксперименты проводились в Sudip Bhattacharjee
лаборатории колледжа. Это было сделано с целью
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 282–288
изучения ингибирующего действия нима, корицы,
Resumen:
гвоздики, перца и смеси всех этих трав и специй.
El clima de la sabana tropical de la India nororien-
Ключевые слова:
tal tiene unas características especiales debido a la
библиотечная консервация, микробное загряз-
meteorología alternativa y la ubicación geográfica
нение, натуральные консерванты
de la región. Existen más de 50 000 manuscritos raros
almacenados en diversos centros de conservación de
manuscritos de esta región. La National Mission for
Identification and storage of plastics in Manuscripts ha emprendido numerosas iniciativas
libraries and archives para preservar estos manuscritos, entre ellas la digita-
Identificación y almacenamiento de lización. Sin embargo, no se han observado cambios
plásticos en bibliotecas y archivos significativos en relación con el estado físico de los
manuscritos. Muchos de ellos se están deteriorando de
Chantal Stein; Jessica Pace; Laura McCann forma natural debido a unos cuidados inapropiados.
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 275–281 El proceso de deterioro de los manuscritos debido a
Abstract: los efectos del medio ambiente y las condiciones
El almacenamiento y la manipulación seguros de meteorológicas y climáticas pueden minimizarse med-
objetos de plástico constituyen un problema urgente iante la adopción de las medidas adecuadas. En este
y a menudo ignorado en muchos fondos bibliográficos artículo se trata el estado de físico de los manuscritos
y de archivo. El mantenimiento de los plásticos resulta de la región, junto con los efectos del clima y la
bastante complejo, ya que se pueden deteriorar con meteorología. También se comenta la necesidad de
mayor rapidez que otros materiales en los fondos de cuidados especiales de los manuscritos en esta ubica-
archivo. Los denominados plásticos «malignos» tam- ción geográfica mediante la aplicación de técnicas o
bién pueden producir productos de descomposición medidas preventivas sencillas.
perjudiciales que dañan los materiales circundantes, Palabras clave:
incluso las fotografías y los documentos. Una parte del Manuscrito, conservación, clima de la sabana tro-
problema la conforma la infinidad de herramientas dis- pical, clima, meteorología, India nororiental
ponibles para la identificación de los plásticos, un
hecho que puede resultar complejo y abrumador. Otra Preservation storage in a flood damage
parte del problema es que los entornos de almacena- mitigation effort at the National Library
miento ideales para los plásticos recomendados en la of France
bibliografía que trata sobre la preservación suelen ser
Almacenamiento para la preservación en
difíciles de conseguir debido a las necesidades de acce-
una iniciativa de mitigación de los daños
sibilidad y las limitaciones de espacio que afrontan
muchas bibliotecas y archivos. En este artículo se pre- provocados por inundaciones en la
senta un proyecto que se está llevando a cabo en las Biblioteca Nacional de Francia
bibliotecas universitarias de Nueva York para evaluar Celine Allain; Sophie Guérinot
las recomendaciones actuales en materia de identifica-
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 289–292
ción y alojamiento de plásticos, y se proporcionan
Resumen:
directrices para crear tipos de alojamientos ampliables
Durante una alerta por inundaciones, la decisión de
que favorezcan el acceso de los usuarios.
evacuar los fondos bibliográficos de una biblioteca es
Palabras clave:
importante. Si no se planifica cuidadosamente, cual-
Preservación, conservación, desarrollo de colec-
quier movimiento en falso puede exponer valiosas
ciones, fondos de archivo, colecciones especiales,
colecciones a amenazas imprevistas. Aunque, por lo
libros raros, materiales gráficos
general, las inundaciones en París son lentas, la
368 IFLA Journal 48(2)

decisión de realizar una evacuación preventiva debe Palabras clave:

adoptarse en el momento apropiado, teniendo en Pergamino, almacenamiento, Dunhuang, Asia Cen-
cuenta el tiempo necesario para la reubicación, la rea- tral, conservación, documento
lidad de la amenaza y la necesidad de la continuidad
del servicio. En el contexto de su plan de protección David O Selznick storyboard rehousing
contra las inundaciones, la Biblioteca Nacional de
project: A case study
Francia ha concebido un modelo de caja que contri-
buye a ahorrar tiempo en caso de inundación y pre- El proyecto de realojamiento de los
viene daños durante una evacuación. Gracias a su guiones gráficos de David O Selznick: un
combinación de accesibilidad a los documentos y estudio de caso
requisitos de seguridad, este modelo puede aplicarse
en diversos contextos. Genevieve Pierce
Palabras clave: IFLA Journal, 48–2, 307–317
Preservación, conservación, desarrollo de colec- Resumen:
ciones, gestión del patrimonio cultural, principios de En 2018, el Harry Ransom Center de la Universi-
biblioteconomía y documentación, colecciones espe- dad de Texas en Austin realojó más de 300 guiones
ciales, libros raros cinematográficos ilustrados de la popular colección
David O Selznick, muy utilizada. Los técnicos de
Dunhuang scrolls: Innovative storage conservación realizaron un seguimiento de este
solutions at the British Library proyecto desde su inicio, el estudio y la concepción
del diseño, y a lo largo de toda su ejecución. Mediante
Los pergaminos de Dunhuang: soluciones la creación de un modelo de alojamiento y su perfec-
de almacenamiento innovadoras en la cionamiento a lo largo de todo un año, la Unidad de
British Library Conservación logró discernir el modo en que el alo-
Paulina Kralka; Marya Muzart jamiento afecta a un objeto, lo que dio lugar a nuevos
sistemas y estructuras para facilitar la gestión de los
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 293–306 procesos y el flujo de trabajo.
Resumen: Palabras clave:
La colección Stein de la British Library se com- Preservación, conservación, desarrollo de colec-
pone de alrededor de 14 000 pergaminos, fragmentos ciones, artes y humanidades, literatura, bibliotecas
y librillos escritos en chino procedentes de una cueva académicas, proveedores de información, colecciones
del complejo de cuevas budistas de Mogao, cercano a especiales, libros raros
Dunhuang, en el noroeste de China. En este artículo
se describen las soluciones de almacenamiento y
acceso concebidas para la colección en el contexto Deciding how to decide: Using the digital
de una concurrida biblioteca de investigación y el preservation storage criteria
proyecto de digitalización de manuscritos Lotus Sutra Decidiendo cómo decidir: uso de los
en curso. Se presentan los numerosos retos técnicos y criterios de almacenamiento con fines de
organizativos que su reubicación plantea para los con-
preservación digital
servadores de la biblioteca. Los conservadores, que
sufren limitaciones relacionadas con las instalaciones Sibyl Schaefer; Nancy Y. McGovern; Eld M. O.
de almacenamiento, el presupuesto y el tiempo, deben Zhierau; Andrea Goethals; Cynthia C. M. Wu
proporcionar un alojamiento que sea práctico y ade-
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 318–331
cuado para el formato de pergamino e impida la dis-
Resumen:
ociación, pero que a su vez sea rentable y no requiera
Los Criterios de Almacenamiento con fines de Pre-
mucho tiempo. Sobre la base de las buenas prácticas
servación Digital (en adelante, «los Criterios»)
de almacenamiento, han desarrollado soluciones ori-
nacieron de un debate comunitario mantenido en la
ginales, equilibrando los requisitos de alojamiento
XII Conferencia Internacional sobre la Preservación
específicos y las limitaciones existentes. Estas solu-
ciones de almacenamiento permiten a los conserva- Digital (iPRES 2015) sobre la evolución del panor-
dores garantizar la seguridad a largo plazo y la ama de enfoques de almacenamiento con fines de
accesibilidad a la colección, sentando a la vez las preservación digital. Se creó un grupo de trabajo cuya
bases de la normalización que garantizarán una homo- misión era desarrollar orientaciones para las organiza-
geneidad de enfoques para los proyectos futuros. ciones que usan o proporcionan almacenamiento con
Abstracts 369

fines de preservación digital. La primera versión de Experimenting with 360˚ and virtual
los Criterios se presentó en un seminario de iPRES reality representations as new access
2016 y en ella se describían los resultados prelimi- strategies to vulnerable physical
nares del grupo de trabajo y se solicitaban comentar- collections: Two case studies at the KB,
ios. El grupo de trabajo ha compartido versiones National Library of the Netherlands
reiteradas durante los tres últimos años, que se han
alimentado de los comentarios recopilados en Experimentación con representaciones de
sesiones de conferencia, revisiones en línea y una realidad virtual y 360˚ como nuevas
encuesta. Entre los posibles usos de los Criterios estrategias de acceso a colecciones fı́sicas
destacan los siguientes: ayudar a las organizaciones vulnerables: dos estudios de caso en la KB,
a desarrollar requisitos para su almacenamiento con la Biblioteca Nacional de los Paı́ses Bajos
fines de preservación digital, evaluar soluciones de Marzia Loddo; Foekje Boersma; Martijn Kleppe;
almacenamiento con fines de preservación digital,
Karin Vingerhoets
concienciar sobre el almacenamiento con fines de
preservación digital y proporcionar materiales de IFLA Journal, 48–2, 332–338
formación para educar a profesionales y otras per- Resumen:
sonas, en los que se incluye un juego para demos- A finales de la década de los noventa, el auge de
trar cómo podrían adaptarse los Criterios. Una Guía los recursos electrónicos dio lugar a proyectos de
de Usuario acompañó la publicación de la versión digitalización a gran escala en medio de la necesidad
actual de los Criterios para ayudar en su aplicación. de preservación de la información digital. La KB,
Esta versión de los Criterios contiene 61 criterios Biblioteca Nacional de los Países bajos, ha partici-
agrupados en las siguientes categorías: integridad de pado activamente en estas actividades. Ahora, está
los contenidos, consideraciones de costes, flexibili- proponiendo mejores formas de preservar los materi-
dad, seguridad de la información, resiliencia, escal- ales bibliográficos físicos y mejorar su accesibilidad
abilidad y rendimiento, asistencia y transparencia. con fines educativos. En este artículo se describen dos
En el borrador no publicado de la versión 4 se proyectos en curso que implican preservación y parti-
añade una categoría más: seguridad de los sistemas. cipación pública. Uno de ellos, en sus primeras fases,
En este artículo se presentan los Criterios y se con- es poner a prueba la aplicabilidad de las imágenes
textualiza su evolución, además de ponerse de 360° para respaldar el acceso virtual a colecciones
relieve nuevos ámbitos de desarrollo. En primer especiales. El segundo es la producción de realidad
lugar, se presentan los resultados preliminares de virtual, con fines educativos, de libros infantiles con
una iniciativa en curso para armonizar los Criterios desplegables. Ambos proyectos podrían inspirar a
con normas internacionales pertinentes en materia otras bibliotecas para introducir tecnologías tridimen-
de preservación digital y tecnología de la informa- sionales o de realidad virtual, y sus aplicaciones para
ción. En segundo lugar, se comentan las actualiza- un público nuevo. En este artículo se describe cada
ciones de la Guía de Uso. La Guía de Uso es un proyecto, se muestran los métodos utilizados y se
suplemento de los Criterios que proporciona infor- comentan los resultados previstos.
mación contextual necesaria para aplicar los Criter- Palabras clave:
ios, y contiene secciones sobre consideraciones Gestión de fondos bibliográficos, imágenes 360°,
como la gestión de riesgos, el coste, la independen- realidad virtual, almacenamiento automatizado, libros
cia y la seguridad de los bits. Por último, se ofrecen infantiles, preservación, conservación
ejemplos de uso de los Criterios en diversos con-
textos para animar a las organizaciones a aplicar los Applicability of traditional storage
Criterios teniendo en cuenta su propia situación. methods in Indonesia for today’s
Los Criterios, la Guía de Uso, el juego y los doc- conservation practice
umentos conexos son públicos y están disponibles
en https://osf.io/sjc6u/, donde se compartirán futuras Aplicabilidad de los métodos de
adiciones y actualizaciones. almacenamiento tradicionales en
Palabras clave: Indonesia para la práctica de conservación
Criterios, normas, gestión de riesgos, almacena- actual
miento con fines de preservación digital, almacena- Patricia Engel
miento digital, almacenamiento a largo plazo, Open
Archival Information System IFLA Journal, 48–2, 339–348
370 IFLA Journal 48(2)

Resumen: Resumen:
Esta contribución tiene por objeto condensar la experi- La fumigación es una técnica ampliamente uti-
encia de varios proyectos de conservación en Java (Indo- lizada para erradicar plagas. Este tratamiento
nesia) en un resumen de métodos, con el objeto de obtener emplea sustancias químicas. Sin embargo, si no
algunas sugerencias de mejores prácticas para la preserva- se repiten las aplicaciones, los insectos y las plagas
ción de objetos del patrimonio cultural en un país tropical. vuelven a reproducirse. Además, este tratamiento
Los proyectos conexos tenían que ver con un museo de promueve el desarrollo de microorganismos que se
arte contemporáneo, materiales de un teatro de marionetas alimentan de sustancias orgánicas. La India tiene
tradicional, un museo de arte tradicional y un archivo. un clima cálido y húmedo que favorece el desar-
Palabras clave: rollo de microorganismos. La tradición india
Indonesia, gestión del patrimonio cultural, princi- emplea diversas hierbas y especias para conservar
pios de biblioteconomía y documentación, preserva- los materiales de lectura. Este estudio se llevó a
ción, conservación, desarrollo de colecciones, Asia cabo para observar el efecto de las hierbas y espe-
Sudoriental, Asia cias locales sobre el papel. Se llevaron a cabo
experimentos en el laboratorio de una universidad
Natural ingredients for a bacteria-free para estudiar la acción inhibidora del neem, la
library collection canela, el clavo, la pimienta y una mezcla de todas
estas hierbas y especias.
Ingredientes naturales para lograr fondos Palabras clave:
bibliográficos libres de bacterias Conservación de fondos bibliográficos, contamina-
Antonette Mohan Lobo; Madhuri Vikram Tikam ción microbiana, conservantes naturales
IFLA Journal, 48–2, 349–351