ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Preservation: Library and Archival Science

Preservation means taking good care of something so that it lasts a very long time. In library and archival science, this means keeping books, papers, and other important things safe and in good condition so that people can learn from them for many years to come.

To do this, librarians and archivists use special techniques and materials to prevent damage from things like sunlight, water, dirt, and bugs. They might put the objects in special boxes or folders, control the temperature and humidity in the room where they are stored, and wear gloves to handle delicate objects.

They also make copies of things that are rare or fragile, so that people can still access the information even if the original object is too delicate to handle. For example, they might scan a very old book and make a digital copy, or use microfilm to make a tiny version of a newspaper.

Keeping things in good condition is important because it helps preserve our history and culture. By taking care of books, papers, and other objects, librarians and archivists are helping to make sure that future generations can learn from them too.