Communications Development Incorporated launches Web-based preservation tutorial for CLIR and Cornell University Library

Fall 2002
Communications Development and AKRON, Inc. (http://www.akroninc.net) have launched the first in a series of Web-based tutorials on preservation and conservation for The Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) and Cornell University Library. The tutorial is targeted toward libraries and archives in Southeast Asia.

The tutorial enables librarians, archivists, preservation administrators, and other cultural information practitioners to get basic and reliable preservation information. "Preservation is vital to the intellectual heritage of every culture," said Deanna Marcum, president of the Council on Library and Information Resources. "This tutorial provides basic and reliable preservation information, and allows users to develop strategies and responses to preservation challenges that are distinctive to the Southeast Asian culture and climate."

The tutorial includes a self-assessment tool to helps users evaluate their level of preservation, an instructional narrative, a vendor database with information on local suppliers of conservation materials and equipment, and a technical glossary with terms in the vernacular.

Each of the narrative sections contains information of particular relevance to librarians and preservationists in tropical climates. For example, there is discussion of passive climate control to avoid the need for air-conditioning. Another section deals with integrated pest management to replace chemical pesticides.

Visit the tutorial at http://www.librarypreservation.org.