PRESERVATION OF MATERIALS IN A SOCIAL SCIENCE LIBRARY : A CASE OF DIGITISATION

Abstract

For Social Science research libraries, preservation of documents is as important as the acquisition, access and retrieval of information. The application of information technology, therefore, needs to be applied to preservation as well. The modern techniques give us the option for preservation, access and retrieval, which was not possible with the traditional options. Digitisation, as a modern method of preservation, is yet to be tested as far as reliability is concerned. So, before undertaking the process of digitisation, a clear-cut policy should be formulated and certain guidelines are to be outlined pertaining to selection, both of documents and software. A cost-benefit analysis should also be made to ensure that the digitisation of documents reaps maximum benefits and justifies the cost involved.