LTA Materials Processing and Preservation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the MARC 300 field record in a bibliographic record?
- Subject headings
- Physical description of the item (Correct answer)
- Publisher and place of publication
- Series title information
Correct answer: Physical description of the item
The MARC 300 field (Physical Description) records extent, illustrations, dimensions, and accompanying material.
Question 2: Which of the following spine label positions is standard practice for most libraries?
- At the very top of the spine
- One inch from the bottom of the spine (Correct answer)
- Centered on the spine
- One inch from the top of the spine
Correct answer: One inch from the bottom of the spine
Placing the spine label one inch from the bottom provides a consistent, visible location that aligns books on shelves.
Question 3: What is the function of a security strip embedded in library materials?
- It tracks how many times an item has been checked out
- It triggers alarms at exits if the item has not been checked out (Correct answer)
- It records the item's cataloging data
- It identifies the item's preservation priority
Correct answer: It triggers alarms at exits if the item has not been checked out
Electromagnetic or RFID security strips activate exit detection systems when an item leaves without being desensitized at checkout.
Question 4: A library technician finds a book with a broken spine. Which repair technique is most appropriate for a circulating collection item?
- Full rebinding
- Tip-in of new endpapers only
- Tightening the hinge with PVA applied along the inner joint (Correct answer)
- Replacing the cover boards
Correct answer: Tightening the hinge with PVA applied along the inner joint
Applying PVA along the inner hinge joint reattaches a loose or broken spine and is a standard minor repair for circulating materials.
Question 5: What is the recommended relative humidity range for general library collections?
- 20–30%
- 30–50% (Correct answer)
- 60–75%
- 75–90%
Correct answer: 30–50%
A relative humidity of 30–50% balances preventing brittleness (too dry) and mold growth or dimensional swelling (too humid).
Question 6: Which type of paper is considered 'acid-free' and suitable for archival folders?
- Newsprint
- Groundwood paper
- Paper with a pH of 7.0 or higher and an alkaline buffer (Correct answer)
- Coated glossy paper
Correct answer: Paper with a pH of 7.0 or higher and an alkaline buffer
Acid-free archival paper has a neutral or alkaline pH (7.0+) and often includes a calcium carbonate buffer to resist future acid migration.
Question 7: When a library technician applies a property stamp to a new book, where should stamps typically be placed?
- Only on the front cover
- On the title page, fore-edge, and top or bottom edge of text block (Correct answer)
- On every tenth page throughout the book
- On the back cover and dust jacket only
Correct answer: On the title page, fore-edge, and top or bottom edge of text block
Standard practice stamps the title page, fore-edge, and top/bottom edge so ownership is visible even if covers are removed.
LTA Materials Processing and Preservation 3
What does the MARC 300 field record in a bibliographic record?