The need for preservation transcends boundaries, requiring global thinking and local action. We need many coordinated preservation efforts all over the world, and information on their scope and status. Many information professionals find digitization great for access, poor for preservation. Electronic information has become an alternative to traditional publication and information sharing, but it can deteriorate more quickly than paper. The ephemeral nature of electronic information, the need for constant data conversion, and the resources needed for long-term storage and retrieval all raise problems for preservation.
Magnetic media are also at risk.
Libraries are wrestling with these issues now. Only internationally recognized standards and an understanding of preservation requirements and limitations will safeguard scientific knowledge for the future. Except for the CHBL logo and as otherwise noted, images on these symposium pages were provided courtesy of the Trustees of The Natural History Museum, London, and any rights to the images as they appear on our pages are held by them. Back to CBHL home page . Please send additions or corrections to the webmaster .