So far there has been relatively little international collaboration, although efforts are underway to develop a register of microform masters and to record the existence of preserved materials in a common bibliographic format. Microfilm is widely used for capture and storage of book contents, but Switzerland has tested several systems for mass deacidification and Germany is building a deacidification plant. None of the countries present has had substantial experience with digital electronic methods, but there is much interest in this technology. The extent and nature of deterioration in European libraries parallel the North American experience. The pages of pre-1800 books are in fairly good condition, while covers and bindings have been badly damaged by heavy use and poor storage conditions.
Later publications have decaying acidic pages as well.
The proportion of endangered material in collections varies both within and between countries. Estimates are often based on slight or unreliable evidence, but the inevitable conclusion is that the problem is enormous, structural in character, and requires both a national and an international approach. Without doubt, millions of books are endangered and millions of dollars will be required to save even a portion of Europe's cultural heritage. The conferees recognized the importance of raising the level of awareness about decaying books among scholars, librarians, university officers, cultural ministers, publishers, private foundations, professional societies and parliaments. The weight of opinion sided with the view that scholars had to be involved in developing the strategies of selection and in assigning priorities, even though it may be difficult for scholars to agree on what is most important.