Preserving the Written Word: Computer Aided Archiving 

to be presented by R.H. Lola Koundakjian
at Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, September 1996.

The paper will reflect on modern methods of
preserving books and manuscripts. Recent
university led research comparing the microfilm --
with an estimated shelf life of 500 years --and
computers -- shelf life as yet unknown -- will be
discussed. Some preferences seem to indicate that
a "hybrid" approach that combine microfiches with
their well established base, and computers with
their ease of use, colour, image quality, and
greater storage capability are preferred. Topic
will include the pros and cons of deacification,
prioritization of material to be preserved, the
need to access material, computer training for
scholars and the evolving role of the modern
library.