This mission is carried out through a variety of activities. Environmental Monitoring and Control One of the most cost effective methods of preserving materials is through storage in a controlled environment. Older library facilities are monitored with portable electronic monitoring data loggers to identify conditions which require immediate staff attention.
Disaster response is a critical responsibility.
We are also working with a regional cooperative group, the Bay Area Preservation Network to develop disaster response resources for libraries and archives throughout the Greater Bay Area. For thorough coverage of disaster preparedness and response, see the Disaster pages in Conservation OnLine Information Dissemination Preservation is a rapidly changing field with a growing body of knowledge and a community of committed professionals that spans geographic and discipline boundaries. Effective preservation programs require both the exchange of technical information and cooperation among librarians, conservators, scientists, archivists, curators, and technical specialists. To foster communications among preservation specialists and education of the wider library, archive, and museum community, the Preservation Department initiated and continues to develop several information dissemination projects. Conservator Walter Henry moderates the electronic discussion, Conservation DistList , which provides a forum for the exchange of technical information among people professionally involved with the conservation of library, archive, and museum materials.