Putting It Into Practice

Staff and User Education

Educating Users

Education of users can be done informally or as part of a specific program or event. Staff should model good preservation practices and correct users in a positive way whenever possible. Signs, posters, handouts, bookmarks, and bookbags can all be effective means of conveying preservation information. More formal programs such as Web sites, temporary exhibits, and special events (e.g., a Preservation Awareness Week, book repair demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions) involve more work but can be very effective in raising awareness of preservation.

To learn about different types of user-education activities, explore the links provided on the Preservation Education and Awareness for Library Users Web site. While these activities are geared toward libraries, many of the principles could be adapted for other cultural institutions that hold paper-based collections.