Preserving information in all its forms is crucial for future generations to build upon. This involves protecting physical materials like books through repair and using archival-quality supplies, as well as ensuring digital information remains accessible as formats evolve over time. Proper handling and storage helps information survive well into the future.

1. Preservation
Maintaining the human record of information, no matter its
format, provides the necessary foundation for future
generations of researchers and students to build upon.
Protecting information begins with the preservation of
books and other physical materials, and continues with
making sure that the information we preserve remains
accessible by future generations.
Take a look at just a few ways that we can all help preserve
and protect information for our future.

2. Book Preservation
A variety of equipment and supplies are used for book
preservation and repair.
All supplies are pH neutral (acid-free), and intended to last
as long as the volumes being mended.

3. Acid-free tapes, glues, and bindings are used
to repair torn pages, fragile bindings, and
separated covers.

4. A finishing press keeps the pages
of repaired books together while
glue dries.

5. Clean cotton gloves protect
delicate pages from dirt as well as
the natural oils found on skin.

6. Separated bindings are
strengthened and re-adhered
using acid-free tapes.

7. Acid-free tapes remain
clear and effective over
time.

8. Embrittled pages – those printed on
acid-based paper that has deteriorated
over time – may not be suitable
candidates for repair at all.

9. Digital Transitions
Data and digital media provide interesting challenges for
preservation.
Interoperability and compatibility must be maintained
throughout the years as media formats are revised and
replaced.

10. Films recorded on 16mm, Super-8, and
other media require suitable players in
order to view them.

11. Punch cards were first used in the 1700s
in the textile weaving business, and
represent one of the earliest
programming methods.

12. LP records, VHS and Betamax tapes, and
Laser video discs each require dedicated
players.

13. Information storage media evolves over
time, leaving behind former technologies –
but not the need to access the information
stored within them.

14. Acid-Free Publication
Acid-free materials are crucial to the longevity of printed
works. For example, a rare copy of the works of Geoffrey
Chaucer, printed by John Stow in 1561, is in excellent
condition despite its age.

15. John Stow was a London tailor, chronicler,
antiquarian, ardent book collector, and
copyist. This was his first publication,
issued three years before William
Shakespeare was born.

16. Notice that despite signs of wear, the acid-
free paper used in this volume remains in
excellent condition and shows little signs
of yellowing.

17. Bookmarks
“Use a proper bookmark to mark your place. Please don't
dog-ear pages, or use sticky notes or paper clips. These
items cause permanent damage to the pages of a book. Use
a thin slip of paper instead.”
Source: Preservation of Library Materials at Smith: Book Care &
Handling Tips. http://www.smith.edu/libraries/info/preservation

18. The simple bookmark remains an excellent
tool for protecting book spines and pages.