Environment and preservation of library collections
By Astrid-Christiane Brandt and Jean-François Foucaud
(Recommendations on the Book and Reading Directorate (Direction du Livre et de la Lecture/DLL) website)
Environmental conditions and warehousing methods have a significant influence on the preservation of graphic materials. Initial preventive measures consist of carrying out environmental checks and ensuring that suitable storage conditions are in place. Degradation can be slowed by acting on factors such as temperature, relative humidity, light, biological decay agents (mold, insects, and rodents), and chemical and mechanical decay agents (pollutants and dust). It is also possible to avoid or limit degradation caused by human agents.
Photographic reproduction: making microfilm and microfiche
Recommendations for the reproduction of periodicals, printed books, and music scores held by libraries
By Else Delaunay, Bernard Fages
(Recommendations on the Book and Reading Directorate (Direction du Livre et de la Lecture/DLL) website)
The photographic reproduction (on microfilm and microfiche) of documents of various types and sizes requires the application of certain technical principles and standards which are now commonly adopted by major institutions at an international level: identification and signaling; flatness and state of preservation; reduction scale, image position, and partition; quality, treatment, and packaging; and checking.
Reproduction of heritage documents
General issues
By Jacques Deville
(Recommendations on the Book and Reading Directorate (Direction du Livre et de la Lecture/DLL) website)
Environmental conditions and warehousing methods have a significant influence on the preservation of graphic materials. Initial preventive measures consist of carrying out environmental checks and ensuring that suitable storage conditions are in place. Degradation can be slowed by acting on factors such as temperature, relative humidity, light, biological decay agents (mold, insects, and rodents), and chemical and mechanical decay agents (pollutants and dust). It is also possible to avoid or limit degradation caused by human agents.