Recently, the Preservation Research and Testing Division created interactive, multisensory activities to showcase how science supports the preservation of the Library’s collections. Focusing on paper, pigments, and audiovisual materials that represent just a part of the Library's eclectic collection, these hands-on experiences engaged the public in understanding how we study, protect, and predict the aging of cultural heritage.
How do we preserve open reel audio tapes? How quickly are they breaking down? Recently published work from a collaborative study between scientists at the Library and colleagues at FUJIFILM shows that many of these historic tapes are likely sticking around for a while.
Each book in the Library of Congress has its own story from writing to publication to its placement on the Library's shelves. Some take a little longer and need special treatment because they don't travel alone.
This is a guest post written by Peter Alyea. Peter is a Preservation Science Specialist in the Research and Testing Division of the Library of Congress and has been working with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on imaging recorded sound collections for preservation and access since the inception of the IRENE project. Although making audio recordings …
