Library and Archive Surveys

Preservation Needs Assessment

Library and Archive Surveys provide a condition assessment methodology uniquely tailored to the needs of your library or archive collection. The survey draws on published methodologies and statistical datasets to produce detailed statistical analysis presented in a clear format. Expert narrative is added to facilitate best practice corrective actions either within existing financial and resource constraints or to support a funding application.

A collection assessment is a valuable tool which can be effectively used to identify strengths and weaknesses in preservation practice and prioritise actions to ensure the long-term accessibility of your collection. An assessment provided by Library and Archive Surveys will include data collection and analysis of collection items in the following categories:

Preservation assessments are recognised as a key tool in the management of heritage collections helping to direct collection care and providing a benchmark against collection item condition and best preservation management practise.

We will help you express, design and efficiently incorporate additional questions to reflect local conditions and concerns. The analysis of the responses will be statistically rigorous and will be incorporated into the final dataset and report.

The data collection and analysis is managed on the latest Microsoft Access database for flexibility and ease of use.

For each survey a written report will be produced in collaboration with the commissioning organisation. This will include detailed analysis of the database results presented in both tabular and graphic formats. These figures, with accompanying expert narrative, will aid institutions in a wide range of practical and strategic activities e.g. future planning, resource allocation, purchasing and access decisions and grant applications.

For more information or general advice on sample selection and surveying methods please contact Julia@LibraryArchiveSurveys.org.uk.