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Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Paper and Media Collections

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Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Paper and Media Collections was developed with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.  Designed as an introductory course, it grounds participants in the theory and practice of preserving library and archival collections. Preservation 101 is a fully online resource offered in two forms: as a paid, instructor-led course and as a free self-guided course. The instructor-led course is being updated in 2013 to include digital formats.

Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Analog and Digital Collections

The Live Online, Instructor-led Course

NEXT OFFERING: September 12, 2013 – November 21, 2013

Beginning with an orientation to the characteristics of paper-based materials, photographs, audiovisual media, and digital content, the course examines the key causes of deterioration for the most common materials found in library and archival collections; strategies for slowing deterioration and preventing loss; prioritizing collections for preservation; conservation treatment options; and reformatting strategies for preservation and access.

The instructor-led Preservation 101 is a hybrid course. A series of eleven live webinars builds on self-paced study through assigned readings. Putting theory into practice, participants will perform a preservation needs assessment of their own institution, and will develop recommendations for improvement and a long-range preservation plan. Feedback will be provided by the instructor. Webinars are interactive, and are supported by NEDCC’s EdSpace, a Moodle-based learning management system. Through EdSpace, participants will have access to webinar recordings, readings, and additional resources, and can communicate with the instructor and fellow participants. Each participant who completes the course will receive a Certificate of Completion. 15 Archival Recertification Credits (ARCs) will be awarded by the Academy of Certified Archivists to Certified Archivists who complete Preservation 101. The course is offered approximately once a year.

Preservation 101: Preservation Basics for Paper and Media Collections

The Free Self-guided Course

Preservation 101 gives you the tools to begin building an effective preservation program for your institution.  Work through all of the modules, reading all content, completing the activities, and recording your thoughts and comments. Allow a minimum of two to three hours to work through each module. No instructor is available to answer questions in this self-paced approach, and no continuing education credit is available for completion of this course.