These collections of manuscripts, books, and artifacts are of unique research value - and often irreplaceable. In addition to permitting direct apprehension of the raw data of the past, archival collections are by nature an especially rich source for interdisciplinary and multimedia approaches to a subject. But their value far exceeds their role as simply information resources because, as artifacts, they can summon up a multitude of associations which together give a vivid impression and understanding of the past. Since Special Collections may be among the richest resources available in the library, it is particularly troubling that they also present formidable preservation, access, and security challenges to libraries - and for these reasons libraries are presently under great pressure to make their Special Collections available electronically.
Technology can help.
Libraries today have unprecedented opportunities to improve the availability as well as the preservation of their fragile and irreplaceable Special Collections. Through technology, digital versions of Special Collections can promote their use while simultaneously helping to preserve them. It is the mission of libraries to make their resources available, and they are responsible for preserving irreplaceable resources for the future. Technology can assist in furthering this mission and responsibility. It is difficult today to recall the enormous concern inspired by polio only a few decades ago.