Kanchana Dehigama is a Senior Assistant Librarian, In charge of the library, Faculty of Allied Health. Sciences, University of Peradeniya , was graduated in ...
Preservation of Cultural Heritage Resources in the University of Peradeniya Library Kanchana Dehigama-
Kanchana Dehigama is a Senior Assistant Librarian, In charge of the library, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya , was graduated in Archeology from University of Peradeniya is currently a PhD scholar. She has extensively published both in the field of Archeology and Information Sciences.
University of Peradeniya Library is situated in heavy tropical climatic environment where humidity and temperature combine to produce ideal setting for causes of deterioration. In addition to the books, the Library holds objects such as copper plate inscriptions, paintings, masks, palm leaf manuscripts, microfilms, Gramophone records and maps etc. The Aesthetic, historic and educational value of this rare collection is enhanced by the publications of 18th century and out-of-print collection. Due to the scholastic significance, the library is profoundly used by the undergraduates and postgraduate students, academics of the university community and local and international scholars. Therefore, it is imperative to protect and safeguard this immensely valuable collection ensuring its longevity and accessibility. While there are considerable efforts have been made worldwide to research on deterioration of cultural heritage, a search through literature shows that there is paucity of such information in Sri Lanka and very little attention has paid to study the biological deterioration of cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore the biological factors that contribute to the physical deterioration of cultural heritage resources in University of Peradeniya Library. This pilot study used an interpretive epistemology as preservation of cultural heritage resources involves human interactions. The proposed research adopts qualitative, information rich
case study method. Environmental conditions in the tropical countries provide conducive atmosphere for these biotic agents which is very much evident in the library. Biological deteriorating to the collection that is caused by living agents and pests can be grouped into two; macroorganisms and microorganisms. Silverfish, firebrats, moths, beetles, booklice and
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cockroaches as well as rodents like mice have been reported in the area. Presence of bookworms are evident by the fine dust in the open shelves. Considering the well being of the staff and environment non-chemical treatments are recommended to control the growth conditions, such as Moisture, temperature, incorrect relative humidity. It is of common belief that both conservation and preservation of Cultural Heritage Resources are costly. However, preventive measures such as good house keeping practices, constant monitoring and awareness programmes to both library staff and users will keep the library away from urging for additional funds. The outcome of the will enable responsible parties to make decisions on effective means of conservation and preservation mechanisms and thereby to improve the preservation condition to safeguard and increase the life expectancy of the cultural heritage resources held in the library.
Key Words: Preservation, Conservation, Cultural Heritage, Libraries, University of Peradeniya Library, Ceylon Collection
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