Society of American Archivists

"Preservation encompasses the activities which prolong the usable life of archival records. Preservation activities are designed to minimize the physical and chemical deterioration of records and to prevent the loss of informational content. These activities include providing a stable environment for records of all media types, using safe handling and storage methods, duplicating unstable materials (e.g. nitrate film, thermofax) to a stable media, copying potentially fragile materials into a usable format (e.g. microfilming or digitization), storing records in housings made from stable materials (for example, document boxes made from "acid-free" paperboard), repairing documents to maintain their original format, establishing a pest control program and instituting a disaster recovery plan which includes plans for emergency preparedness and response."

-- NARA - Preservation - About Preservation

Preservation includes many areas of work. The care of deteriorating or fragile materials can be enacted upon diverse items, such as books, audiotape, film, photographs, or maps. Microfilming and digital preservation are also important parts of the field.

UW Libraries' Preservation Department
Internet Library for Librarians: Preservation and Binderies
Association of Research Libraries Preservation Program
Rare Book School at the University of Virginia
Columbia University Libraries' Preservation Division - Slideshow on Preserving Library Materials