Putting It Into Practice

Preparing a Preservation Plan

Maintaining the Preservation Plan

A preservation plan (unlike a survey report) cannot remain static; it must be periodically revised and updated as circumstances change and preservation needs are addressed. It is important not just to be reactive, but also to try to guide the preservation program. Sometimes activities will fall behind in a particular area. In that case, action may be needed to get back on track or schedules may have to be adjusted. Goals and objectives should be periodically revisited to ensure that the expectations of the initial planning committee are being met.

It is crucial to assign specific responsibility for guiding the plan, or it may be neglected. Usually the person responsible for preservation management within the institution should be responsible for periodic evaluation and updating of the plan, in consultation with the preservation planning team. Diplomacy and skill in working with people will be essential to this process.