In the News

• Apr. 12, 2011 — Press Release: Preservation Week publicity tools encourage everyone to “Pass It On”
• Apr. 11, 2011 — Press Release: Preservation Week thanks 2011 sponsors
• Mar. 21, 2011 — Press Release Free Webinars during Preservation Week, April 24–30
• Feb. 18, 2011 — Press Release Pass it on! Celebrate 2011 Preservation Week April 24–30
• Dec. 13, 2010 — Press Release Preservation Week comes to Midwinter
• May 11, 2010 — Press Release Your history @ your library
• May 9, 2010 — Blog post on Visibility @ your library: Preservation Week @ your library launches
• May 4, 2010 — Press Release: U.S. Libraries Offer Advice on How to Preserve Family Treasures during Preservation Week @ Your Library, May 9-15
• Apr. 27, 2010 — Press Release: Celebrate ALA’s first annual Preservation Week and Step Up to the Plate @ your library
• Apr. 2, 2010 — Press Release: U.S. libraries offer advice on how to preserve family treasures during Preservation Week @ your library, May 9-15
• Dec. 8, 2009 — Press Release: ALA division launches national Preservation Week @ your library May 9–15, 2010
• Nov. 6, 2009 — News Alert: Library of Congress Hosts Stakeholders Meeting for Preservation Week

Preservation Week Campaign Resources

Resource: Shocking facts that illustrate the need for national preservation awareness

Video: Charles Wilt, ALCTS Executive Director, shares his thoughts on Preservation Week

Press Kit: Resources for the press from ALA's Public Information Office

History of Preservation Week

In 2005 the first comprehensive national survey of the condition and preservation needs of the nation’s collections reported that U.S. institutions hold more than 4.8 billion items. Libraries alone hold 3 billion items (63 percent of the whole). A treasure trove of uncounted additional items is held by individuals, families, and communities. These collections include books, manuscripts, photographs, prints and drawings, and objects such as maps, textiles, paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and furniture, to give just a sample. They include moving images and sound recordings that capture performing arts, oral history, and other records of our creativity and history. Digital collections are growing fast, and their formats quickly become obsolescent, if not obsolete.

In 2010, ALA organized the first Preservation Week with the support of our founders, partners, and sponsors. For a nationwide list of past events, please see our Google Map.