Study of the preservation awareness programme in NLB

Abstract

Community libraries in Singapore have seen an increase in numbers in the past two years, accompanied by an immense increase in membership and loans. With the increased usage of library materials, damage arising from handling by users is inevitable. This problem is compounded by a general lack of respect for library books. This research was conducted to study the current preservation awareness programme in the community libraries in Singapore, and also sought to look at examples in overseas libraries, and propose recommendations to improve current programme in community libraries. The main objectives of the research were: 1. To assess the nature, scope and effectiveness of the current preservation awareness programme for school children in all community libraries. 2. To study the different activities or formats used in overseas libraries to raise their users' awareness of the proper care and handling of library books. 3. Based on the above, to propose recommendations that can serve as references to further improve the preservation awareness programme to reach out to school children more effectively.