Introduction to Archival Preservation
Course duration: January 12 - March 23, 2026
Registration: closes December 29, 2025
Using the textbook Preserving Archives and Manuscripts students will be introduced to archival preservation in seven modules. The textbook will be supplemented with articles, survey tools and condition reporting assessments available on the Internet.
Topics for the modules include:
Module 1. Basic concepts and terminology in archival preservation
Module 2. Basic material science of paper records and photographs
Module 3. Basic material science of machine readable records and electronic media
Module 4. Concepts for understanding design requirements for archives buildings and storage environments
Module 5. The exhibition of archival records
Module 6. Basics of emergency planning
Module 7. Preservation management planning
Students will also receive, by electronic mail, a self-study guide which includes instructions, supplementary reading (where applicable), self-study questions, and in most modules, a practical project. The self-study questions and projects will be submitted to the Instructor for evaluation. Upon completing all the projects within the allotted time, students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Students can expect to work about 10-12 hours per week on readings and assignments for the duration of the course.
Instructor: Lisa Glandt, AABC Education and Advisory Services Coordinator
Cost: AABC members $350.00 (CAD) / Non-member $500.00 (CAD); plus the cost of the course textbook
Textbook: Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler. Preserving Archives and Manuscripts (SAA, 2010).
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