Background

Since the publication of the previous edition of the Preservation Education Directory in 1995, the field of library and archives preservation has grown and expanded due to increased awareness of preservation, the proliferation of digital technology, and the economic prosperity of the 1990s. New professional positions have been created in mature preservation programs, and new programs have emerged in mid-sized and smaller institutions. Many of the new positions and vacancies in existing positions require expertise in the preservation of non-book formats and the standards for preserving digital collections, in addition to the traditional preservation options of microfilming, collections repair, conservation treatment, and commercial binding. Rapidly changing standards in the areas of new technologies require library schools and organizations offering continuing education to adapt their curricula to meet these educational needs.

The Eighth Edition of the Preservation Education Directory reflects an increased integration of preservation into the library and information science curriculum. This trend can be interpreted as success in raising of preservation awareness. The previous edition listed 134 courses with a preservation component; there are 143 courses in the current edition. The number of stand alone preservation courses, however, has decreased slightly from 78 in 1994 to 71 in 2002. Further, there has been no increase in the number of preservation programs that offer a formal certificate in preservation. The University of Texas at Austin remains the only one. But there continues to be a recognition of the value of practical experience, evidenced by the number of internships and opportunities for field work and practica that can focus on preservation (26 in this edition, 32 in the previous). Furthermore, a number of library schools have specializations in archives administration, which offers coursework relevant to preservation. There are several new courses focusing on the preservation implications of digital technology featured in this edition, a sign that library schools are adapting their curricula to changing needs in the profession.

Continuing education courses and workshops are available from a wide variety of organizations around the country. These courses range from mid-level career training for professionals and introductory workshops for those interested in gaining expertise in preservation, to conference programs and presentations.

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Acknowledgments 
Disclaimers 

Preservation Education Directory, 8th Edition