Diploma in Preservation and Conservation of Information Materials

Curriculum

May, 2016

3.0 THE CURRICULUM

3.1 Title of the Proposed Programme

The title of the proposed programme shall be Diploma in Preservation and Conservation of
Information Materials (DPCIM)

Purpose of the Course

To create theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of information materials,
equipment and the processes of conservation

3.2 Philosophy

Preservation involves maintaining an object or information in a format that ensures the continued
use and accessibility of the information provided. It includes developing criteria for
selecting materials that have cultural or historical importance and assessing their
preservation needs; halting the deterioration of materials by providing a stable environment
and proper supplies and equipment for storage; developing and implementing policies for
the safe use of materials; and providing the resources necessary to engage in an on-going
preservation program committed to the continued existence of valued materials.
Preservation also includes preparing for potential disasters such as floods, fires, tornadoes,
and earthquakes. Conservation is a vital aspect of preservation. The goal of conservation is
to stabilize and restore an object in its original form through various treatment methods.
Professional conservators are trained to apply conservation treatment methods and make
recommendations for long-term preservation of materials in suitable environments.
Preservation and conservation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, the most important
of which is the value of the information or intellectual content an object provides. Other
factors that are considered include the uniqueness or rarity of an object; its connection with
significant events, individuals, or places; its significance in relation to an institution and
the mission of that institution; whether the information provided by the object is available
elsewhere; and the consequences of the loss of the item or the information it contains. The
current condition of an object, including its fragility and level of deterioration or wear that
has occurred during its use serves as an important factor in preservation and conservation.

3.3 Rationale of the programme

knowledge, ability, and skills developed. Cave paintings, papyrus scrolls, handwritten
manuscripts, and visual or sound recordings in various languages and formats provide
information to people and allow knowledge acquired by one generation to be passed to the
following generation. Along with the oral tradition, images, sound, and text have assisted in the
transfer of personal, educational, political, social, or cultural information. These materials
comprise our collective memory and are valuable and necessary to a society or group of people.

It has been impossible to save all information created throughout the history of humankind. The
beginning of the twenty-first century represents an era of unprecedented growth in the creation of
recorded materials. Consequently, institutions that serve as custodians of cultural and historical
information must make decisions regarding its collection, preservation, and conservation.

3.3.1 Needs assessment

There is no emphasis placed on training in preservation and conservation

3.3.2 Justification of the need for the programme

There in need for record managers and archivist in institutions
Technological advancement has necessitated a need for management of different formats
of preservation and conservation of information materials
The programme will offer practical approach towards preservation and conservation of
information materials
The programme is designed to address preservation and conservation issues
3.4 Goal of the Programme

To provide students with hands-on training in emphasis on preservation and conservation of

information materials