ABSTRACT
Preservation management is described as the managerial, financial and technical issues involved in preserving library materials in all formats and/or their information content so as to maximize their useful life. Both BS5454 and the Irish archival standards have much useful advice on housing such important collections, including matters considered in this chapter, such as fire prevention and security. A survey to uncover areas of risk would examine such matters as the site, roof, windows, fire safety, security, and the environment, storage and staff routines. Security is concerned with the safety and welfare of staff and library users, the prevention of theft and mutilation of library materials, and the protection of the library building from unauthorized entry and damage. While good security is imperative; really good security is really expensive but a number of defensive strategies and tactics have been suggested for keeping data secure, such as firewalls and encryption, although these are not the focus of attention here.
