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:

  • accessibility
  • demand
  • usability
  • significance
  • existing preservation measures
  • damage

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 .

Recent Project

Museum, Library and Archive Collection Review
Preservation review of all storage locations in large organisation and development of 5 year collection care strategy. Review included wide range of heritage materials.

Stocktake and Specialist Library Re-organisation
Review and develop collection catalogue, assess condition of collection items and identify material for conservation and /or repackaging.

Preservation Assessment of University Rare Books Collection
Full onsite collection assessment to provide information on the materials and the preservation needs of the, mainly, book collection. Final report provided both strategic information and indicated practical resource needs to help the future of the collection.

I have a number of previous customers willing to discuss the projects we have undertaken. Please email me to be put in touch.

 

Quick Links