How do libraries approach the challenge of deciding what items are worth preserving?

Are there any agreed policies or standards in the area of deciding what items are worth preserving? Items that seem mundane, like old catalogs, may prove useful for economists to track how prices, and the economy, have changed over time.

InquilineKea

collection-development
preservation
archiving
appraisal

Comments

KatieR: I think what the OP is getting at is a really good question but some editing and refining is definitely needed. Perhaps rewording it to something along the lines of "How do libraries approach the challenge of deciding what items are worth preserving?" and continuing in the body to say "Are there any agreed policies or standards in the area of deciding what items are worth preserving? Items that seem mundane, like old catalogs, may prove useful for economists to track how prices, and the economy, have changed over time."
Melissa: Maybe the question could include other items made of low-grade paper such as newspapers, dime novels, etc.
foggyone: The type of library is also important here. A public library may have very little need/desire to preserve items, particularly depending on the size of the library.

Answer by Ed Summers

It's hard to predict the future, and what people in the future would find useful. I think orienting preservation activities around what your library users find useful now can be helpful to retain your sanity. To do this, you inevitably need to measure and analyze what collections and content are getting used. The study of archival appraisal offers a lot of theory in this area if you are willing to take a deep dive into an answer to your question.

Comments

Answer by Janet

Materials which are not likely to be available from other sources, such as local history, should definitely be preserved.

Comments

Answer by Austin

Top of the list: items that are in danger (crumbling paper, ect.), items deemed of historical provenance, and items valued by donating patrons (thus leading to more donations).