LTA Materials Processing and Preservation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'reformatting' mean in library preservation terminology?
- Re-labeling items with updated call numbers
- Converting content to a new format such as microfilm or digital (Correct answer)
- Reclassifying an item to a different subject area
- Repairing the physical binding of damaged materials
Correct answer: Converting content to a new format such as microfilm or digital
Reformatting creates a new version of content in a more stable or accessible medium, such as digitizing a deteriorating newspaper onto microfilm.
Question 2: Which standard governs the quality of microfilm produced for preservation purposes in the United States?
- ISO 9001
- ANSI/AIIM standards for silver-gelatin microfilm (Correct answer)
- NISO Z39.50
- ALA Reference Standards Manual
Correct answer: ANSI/AIIM standards for silver-gelatin microfilm
ANSI/AIIM standards specify requirements for silver-gelatin microfilm, including resolution, density, and storage conditions, to ensure long-term preservation value.
Question 3: A book processed for the circulating collection needs a date-due slip pocket. Where is this typically placed?
- Inside the front cover
- On the last page of text
- Inside the back cover or back endpaper (Correct answer)
- On the spine label
Correct answer: Inside the back cover or back endpaper
Date-due slip pockets are traditionally placed inside the back cover or back endpaper for easy access at checkout.
Question 4: What is 'foxing' as it appears on library materials?
- Brown spots caused by fungal or oxidative deterioration of paper (Correct answer)
- Yellowing caused by UV exposure
- Ink smearing from high humidity
- Cracking of leather bindings due to dryness
Correct answer: Brown spots caused by fungal or oxidative deterioration of paper
Foxing refers to reddish-brown spots that appear on paper, likely caused by fungal growth or metal impurities reacting with oxygen and moisture.
Question 5: Which processing task involves verifying that a new item matches its bibliographic record before shelving?
- Shelf reading
- Item verification or copy cataloging review (Correct answer)
- Weeding
- Inventory control scanning
Correct answer: Item verification or copy cataloging review
Item verification ensures that the physical piece matches the bibliographic and holdings data entered during copy cataloging before the item goes live.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'phase box' in library preservation?
- To store digital backups of a book's content
- To provide a custom-fitted enclosure that supports a fragile item until full treatment (Correct answer)
- To display rare items in a humidity-controlled case
- To classify items by deterioration stage
Correct answer: To provide a custom-fitted enclosure that supports a fragile item until full treatment
A phase box (or clamshell box) is a temporary protective enclosure that stabilizes a fragile item and keeps it shelved safely until it can receive full conservation treatment.
Question 7: What does an alkaline buffer in preservation paper do over time?
- It eliminates mold spores on contact
- It absorbs and neutralizes acids that migrate into the paper from the environment (Correct answer)
- It increases the paper's tensile strength
- It makes paper transparent for scanning purposes
Correct answer: It absorbs and neutralizes acids that migrate into the paper from the environment
Alkaline buffers (typically calcium carbonate) neutralize acids that migrate from adjacent materials or pollutants, extending the paper's useful life.
LTA Materials Processing and Preservation 4
What does 'reformatting' mean in library preservation terminology?