| Abstract: | CONCLUSION. Until a few years ago, archivists and librarians had no alternate approaches available for extending the useful life of their collections. Today, with the development of two chemically feasible systems the door has been opened; options do exist that can provide a method for combating the acidic paper problem. Unfortunately, in the conservation world there are no standard models, as in the manufacture of automobiles, when it comes to building a mass deacidification system. Each institution becomes a pioneer, so to speak, in planning, building, and even running a plant. But the foundation is solid. However, long before thinking of such an enterprise, an archives or library should have an oversall preservation plan that includes surveys, condition of holdings, short and long term plans, priorities, and so on. Then, one can ponder on what to "buy" in terms of capability, versatility, adaptability of the system. Concurrently, there are other difficult matters to consider: costs, both initial and operational, problems of space, personnel, training, plans for expansion. Not an easy task setting up such an installation. And there are some who are not convinced that it is worth the time, money, or effort. Perhaps they are right in the case of modest collections. But, the most concerned are institutions with items that number in the hundreds of thousands or in the millions. It would appear, therefore, that until a better mass deacidification method is developed, the present alternates are the best available. |
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