A study on preservation and conservation practices in academic libraries in Mumbai

Abstract

A survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted to study preservation and conservation practices in academic libraries in Mumbai. The study revealed that there was no written policy on preservation and conservation in nearly all libraries. In addition to the lack of written preservation policy, the lack of trained manpower and lack of funding were the main constraints to preservation and conservation practices. Higher authorities and policy makers need to be convinced to make provision of staff and budget not just for preservation but seemingly for the long term survival of libraries.