ACRL College & Research Libraries News

Association of College & Research Libraries

Preservation News

Submissions for this column may be made to: Jane Hedberg, Wellesley College Library, 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02181-8275; JHEDBERG@LUCY. WELLESLEY.EDU; (61 7) 283-2103- Submission deadline is the 15th of the month and precedes publication by approximately six weeks.

The Preservation of Library Materials Section (PLMS) and the Reproduction of Library Materials Section (RLMS) of the Association for Library Collections & Technical Ser- vices Division (ALCTS) of ALA are planning to become one section.

In early November, the presidents of PLMS and RLMS announced formation of a joint task force to develop bylaws and an implementation plan for the merger. Task force members include both sec- tion vice-presidents, Robert DeCandido and Robert Harriman, and the chairs of both Policy & Planning Committees, Lorraine Olley and Debra McKern. The schedule for the proposed merger calls for member discussion during an open meeting at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in February 1994, a member vote on the spring 1994 ballot, and, if the proposal passes, imple- mentation at the end of the ALA Annual Con- ference in July 1994.

Commission investigates central distribution of microfilm

The Commission on Preservation and Access has developed a three-year pilot project to test the feasibility of a central distribution center for print masters of preservation microfilms. Representatives from the Harvard, Yale, Colum- bia, and New York Public Libraries, the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Iron Moun- tain, and the Commission met in August 1993 to discuss details of the project. They devel- oped procedures for standardizing retrieval in- formation in bibliographic records, transferring retrieval information to Iron Mountain through OCLC, and shipping films to Iron Mountain. Once all procedures have been successfully tested, additional libraries may join the program and procedures for including standard retrieval informa- tion in bibliographic records will be recommended to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for inclusion in its microfilm- ing guidelines.

The titles selected for the project will be accessible through OCLC’s databases, including FirstSearch. Or- ders will initially be placed through OCLC’s Interlibrary Loan System but eventually may be placed directly by the end user.

NEDCC publishes new technical leaflet

The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) has published a new technical leaflet entitled “Storage Solutions for Oversized Paper Artifacts.” Written by Mary Todd Glaser, the leaflet describes storage options for collections of maps, posters, large prints, architectural drawings, and other oversize paper objects. Glaser also offers advice on utilization of storage furniture and enclosures (folders, mats, and polyester film encapsulation) to protect these vulnerable objects.

A free copy of the leaflet is available from Gay Tracy, Northeast Document Conservation Center, 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810; (508) 470-1010.

SOLINET and Chicora Foundation publish hurricane guide

The Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) and the Chicora Foundation have published a disaster preparedness guide entitled “Hurricane! Surviving the Big One: A Primer for Libraries, Museums and Archives.” It written by Michael Trinkley, Chicora director, to help institutions protect staff, buildings, and collections. It covers building or retrofitting to mitigate hurricane damage, recovery techniques, acquiring necessary supplies, and rebuilding after the storm.

Copies may be purchased for $12.00 prepaid (includes shipping and handling) from SOLINET, 1438 West Peachtree St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30309-2955; (800) 999- 8558.