Preservation, Conservation & Digitization (PCD) is responsible for the preservation of the University Libraries’ collections in all formats including paper-based books, works of art on paper, photographs, maps, media, and digital files.
Broadly speaking, PCD takes a holistic approach to the preservation and access to library collections through several activities:
- Performs a thorough assessment of the condition of an item or entire collection
- Provides digitization and conversion services
- Manages commercial binding and mass acid removal/reduction program
- Responds to collection disaster emergencies
- Constructs new housing for originals, including rare and special format materials
- Handles the long term preservation of digital assets
PCD is also responsible for digitizing and building collections for online access through CONTENTdm, and for the long-term preservation of digital files. Our digital preservation team ensures this through a number of initiatives with:
- LOCKSS
- CLOCKSS
- MetaArchive
- The National Digital Stewardship Alliance
- The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA)
- The Academic Preservation Trust (APITrust)
The latest addition to PCD is a state-of-the art, fully equipped Conservation Centre, located off-site. The Centre has an impressive workroom that can handle everything from a postage stamp to a large wall mural. The Centre also has two special rooms to store and handle contaminated library materials, such as those with mold, mildew, or insect infestation, and another room that is controlled under negative air pressure to avoid spreading contaminants elsewhere.
Resources
Department Contact Information
University Park, PA 16802
