To Preserve and Protect: The Strategic Stewardship of Cultural Resources

In Museums, Libraries, and other cultural institutions, physical security and preservation of the collections are closely linked. This book explores the connections between them and presents some of the issues involved in the stewardship of our cultural heritage.

Here we see that both our treasures from the past and today's digital resources are part of the cultural assets that must be preserved for future generations and at the same time made available to new and wider audiences. Like the Janus, stewards of cultural resources must look backward and forward at the same time. Digitization offers new options for preservation and wider accessibility—and presents new challenges for funding and effective collection management.

Staff involvement—including curators, conservators, police officers, security professionals, managers, staff on all levels—is key to strategic stewardship. What are the most effective tools for preservation? The essential elements of a security program? A theft at a Columbia University library and a flood at the Colorado State University library reveal lessons that can benefit many. Improvements in security at the University of Maryland libraries suggest a model for the institutions. Experience in fund-raising offers ways to connect with funding sources.

It is important to share information and to make informed choices. To Preserve and Protect: The Strategic Stewardship of Cultural Resources urges new ways of collaboration that involve the whole community.

Publication Date: October 2002
Stock Number: 030-0001-00182-2
Paperback: 8"(h) x 5 1/4"(w), 300 pages
Price: $23

Available from the Library of Congress Sales Shop, Washington, DC 20540-4985 (credit card orders taken at 202 707-0204).