Abstract:
This study attempts to understand and compare the present situation in conservation and preservation
of audiovisual materials. Focus was given on the investigation of the existing preservation measurers
and to make comparison for the purpose of understanding similarities and differences in the level of
use of preservation measurers. It also aimed to find out a suitable culture media to culture fungi
varieties found in various audiovisual collections. Tentative hypotheses were built up to test in the
investigation and the sample survey techniques and laboratory experiments were utilized as the
methodologies for the study.
Structured questionnaire were used as the main instruments for the gathering of data from sample. 69
academic and special libraries were selected for the study and 25 out of 49 special libraries and 19
out of 20 academic libraries responded. 4 libraries were selected for case studies and out of them 3
libraries were selected to gather fungi samples.
As the findings reveals that most of the libraries have audiovisual collections, however, availability
of preservation policy, preservation awareness programme and separate preservation unit/ staff,
maintenance of collection and equipment, availability of emergency preparedness plans are far from
satisfactory level. There is significant difference between levels of use of preservation measurers
between academic and special libraries and thus null hypothesis that there is no difference between
academic and special libraries were rejected. . Effects of following factors on level of preservation of
academic and special libraries were also significant.
