Preserving Library Collections in South Asia: Techniques, Policies, and Capacity Building Programs in University Libraries

Abstract

The study explores the preservation policy and techniques employed in preserving library materials in three libraries in South Asia: Central University of Kashmir; Islamic University of Science and Technology; and University of Kashmir. The study aims to: investigate preservation policy/plan/division of selected libraries; investigate the current preservation technique used in the libraries; explore the category of staff responsible for preservation of library materials; and identify capacity building programs attended by staff at local, national/international level on preservation. Data collection was employed: results were tabulated, interpreted, and correlated with the published literature to ferret out meaningful findings and draw logical conclusions. The study reveals that: binding (sewing) and fumigation (solid fumigation) are widely employed techniques in preservation; manuscripts are mostly prioritized for preservation; and usually professionals are involved in dealing with preservation. However, none of the libraries possess preservation policies, which are crucial for the preservation of the library collection on a systematic and scientific basis. In order to cope with the changing environment of information preservation and management, libraries regularly organize seminars and conferences on preservation, and it is hoped that stakeholders continue to identify loopholes and to build capacity for preservation.