Typically, a large research library has the following in-house preservation units: book repair for circulating materials, bindery preparation for liaison work with the commercial binder, plating and labeling unit for new books, microfilming, and conservation. Small to medium-size libraries are not likely to have microfilming or conservation units unless they house rare or unique materials. If possible, the institution should appoint a preservation professional to reorganize the units into a consolidated preservation department (see RESOURCES). If this is possible, the plating and labeling unit should be transferred to technical services, as it is not, strictly speaking, a preservation function.

From the managerial standpoint, it is best to group preservation operations close to one another, enabling more flexible staff assignments, greater managerial control, common use of equipment and supplies, and a more cohesive set of operations.

Click on the links below to learn more about conservation operations.

1. Stiffening
2. Book repair
3. Commercial binding preparation
4. Microfilm preparation
5. Microfilming operation
6. Conservation