XVI International Botanical Congess

As botanical information is increasingly available electronically, it becomes important to understand the reasons for retaining and maintaining original source material, at least in libraries of key institutions worldwide. In facing the problem of deterioration of materials, it is vital to realize that digitization alone is not the solution. At present a hybrid approach to preservation holds the best and most practical promise for successfully maintaining original source materials, considering shrinking library budgets. This paper will present and discuss a number of valid solutions currently in use and how they can be used in conjunction with one another to create a sound institutional preservation plan with a view to the future. These range from the implementation of more traditional conservation techniques to use of modern technologies.