LATIN AMERICAN CONSERVATION RESOURCES
For Libraries and Archives
Click here for the Spanish
version.
PURPOSE:
The protection and preservation of cultural patrimony is a fairly
uncontroversial topic--in theory. However, governments often
dedicate few funds and/or recognition to this important societal
function. The task of preservation then falls to a few dedicated
individuals who must work with few resources. This rather trying
scenario is especially true in many developing countries, a category
into which most of Latin America falls.
This webpage is designed as a tribute to and a resource for
those participating in the conservation and preservation of cultural
property in Latin America, especially those working in library and
archives conservation. As a first-year conservation student in the
fall of 1995, I researched the status of Latin American library
conservation efforts. For my (perhaps overly general) analysis of
the situation, please click here.
CAVEATS:
In an ideal world, every link listed here would be in Spanish or
Portuguese. However, because many areas of Latin America do not
enjoy the widespread Internet access that we "estadounidenses" do,
many links originate in the United States and Europe. In addition,
because this site was designed for a graduate class at a U.S.
university, the text is in English. As you will note, a Spanish
version has recently been added. (Note: I'd gladly take up any
offers for a Portuguese translation!)
Comments? Please send email to
wbaker@fiat.gslis.utexas.edu.
Last updated September 4, 1997.