Funding is especially crucial for preservation. Traditional library units such as technical services and public services, as well as newer units such as computer systems, generally have their funding secured because they are regarded as essential to the acquisition and organization of library materials. Preservation has only recently been recognized as a separate library function, and library funds are usually too scarce to allow redistribution of funding from established operational units. Thus preservation professionals must carve out support for their programs from the scant funding allocated to peripheral functions, from new funding within the institution, and from external sources.

Below is an outline of some of the topics covered in this section.