SI 581: Preserving Information

Preservation is commonly defined as the acquisition, organization, and distribution of resources (human, physical, monetary) to ensure adequate protection of information with continuing value for access by present and future generations. Preservation encompasses planning and implementing policies, procedures, and processes that together prevent further deterioration or renew the usability of selected groups of materials. Preservation management is most effective when planning precedes implementation and when prevention activities have priority over renewal activities.

This course teaches the basic principles, policies, and procedures for protecting information resources from loss, damage, deterioration, destruction, and obsolescence. The course introduces current methods and best practices for extending the useful life of information in a wide variety of media. Considerable emphasis is on management and decision-making and current preservation issues, particularly preservation of digital information and the use of digital technologies for preservation reformatting.

Course features lectures and discussion with some visits to campus preservation facilities and occasional guest lectures. This course is an introductory overview. Students wishing to specialize in preservation management acquire the basis for seeking additional training through Directed Field Experiences, internships, apprenticeships, workshops, and other practical engagement activities.