20-24 septembrie 2009 - Biblioteca Metropolitana Bucuresti

Conservation of modern library collections... 431staff, especially of conservationists who could preserve the integrity andperennially of library collections.For that purpose, the Commission should establish criteria for theassessment of activities concerning document conservation in Romanianlibraries and implement a coordination and control mechanism for thoseactivities.The above mentioned aspects are necessarily related to the fact that theLibrary National Commission may propose and support the establishmentof conservation-restoration laboratories inside libraries that are endowedwith rich document funds but lack proper conservation conditions.In conclusion, our present situation calls mainly for preventiveconservation, at least within large information and document structureswhich need intense support and administrative bodies should find the meansto raise financial authorities’ awareness of the importance of documentpreservation.I think that American and also European – French, British – systemsare more than interesting as they can be adjusted to Romanian realitiesand provide models for national coordination of the activities required bydocument preservation-conservation.Library of Congress has a special department for fundamental andapplied research, which coordinates the whole national network, promotingtechniques and methods of preventive and curative conservation byrecommendation of verified technology and materials.British Library includes a National Conservation Center withspecialized departments for preventive conservation, research intodocument deterioration factors, reconditioning and restoration treatments.France’s National Library runs a conservation technical center, whichis structured into separate sectors for risk factor research, efficient removalof those factors and testing of materials used in preventive or curativeconservation.All these great libraries support professional training and orientationprograms for conservationists and restorers working in various informationand document departments.Their permanent concern with training and professional developmentis also reflected by the rich data bases available on their web-sites andby disseminating useful information on conservation and restoration. Theyalso edit on-line and printed periodicals dedicated to debates on the latestissues in the field of preserving and conserving heritage documents.Coordinating all activities unfolding within the Romanian librarynetwork, Romania’s National Library should manage and fulfil all the