Preservation Workshop Evaluation

Abstract

Preservation education programs are increasingly focused on the impact of training on improving and implementing preservation practices in cultural institutions. In spring 1996, the Southeastern Library Network’s (SOLINET) Preservation Services launched a Workshop Follow-Up program designed to measure the effects of training, provide ongoing support, and develop a long-term ongoing mechanism for evaluating workshop effectiveness. After collecting more than three years of qualitative and quantitative data, the study found that 94% of the follow-up program participants performed some type of action to improve the care of their institution’s collections in the months following the workshop. In addition, the program created an atmosphere that encouraged participants to use workshop information to effect change in their institution and to contact SOLINET for further assistance. In fact, information and referral queries received by Preservation Services increased during this period due to questions generated from the follow-up contacts. Participants continually express appreciation about being contacted after the workshop, which serves as a reminder of the importance of preservation activities.