Our nation’s history is at risk, as more than 1.3 billion treasures held at public institutions are endangered due to lack of knowledge about preservation. Individuals also are not aware of the valuable role they play in preserving history through family heirloom, records, and photographs.
Preservation Week is an opportunity to inspire action to preserve collections—in libraries, archives, and museums, of course, but especially the items held and loved by individuals, families, and communities. Preservation Week activities will also raise awareness of the role libraries and other cultural institutions play in providing sound preservation information.
Individually and as community partners, libraries, museums, and archives are encouraged to do at least one thing, even if it’s small, to celebrate Preservation Week. Host a program, event, or display; put a banner on your website; provide a fact sheet from the Preservation Week website; talk to your policy makers and resource allocators about your community’s preservation needs. focus our combined attention and energy on preserving our information and cultural heritage in all collections.