The romance novel or the cowboy story, which seems a dime a dozen now, could actually achieve rare book status if certain conditions prevail. At the universal level conserving books by keeping them from destruction, destructive influences, decay or waste is also conserving a natural resource. Conservation really means embracing the understanding that the resources of components in book production are finite and can disappear. Convert this understanding into action by giving books careful treatment. Conservation should occur before damage occurs.
Preservation becomes an issue when the physical condition of a book shows deterioration.
This action occurs after damage has been done. One object of conservation is to avoid getting to the point where preservation becomes necessary. Some steps can help in this awareness. Routinely examine books looking for damage at the top and bottom spine, hinge and inner margin. Observe the general condition of the leaves.