ARL publishes preservation statistics

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The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published the ARL Preservation Statistics 2005–06, a compilation of data on the levels of preservation efforts in ARL member libraries throughout North America.

Highlights from the report suggest that preservation expenditures are in a steady state. In 2004–05, 107 ARL libraries reported expenditures of $99,931,352. In 2005–06, 111 ARL libraries reported $8 million more spent, an eight per cent increase from the previous year.

Level 1 conservation treatment decreased from 2004–05 levels, while the number of items treated at Levels 2 and 3 increased; total conservation has increased by more than 50,000 volumes in the past year, bringing it higher than it has been in the last four years. Microfilming activity decreased by about 11,000 volumes, to 154,857.

More detailed information about preservation expenditures (including external funds), conservation treatment and preservation reformatting, administration of preservation programs, and staffing patterns can be found in the report.