Preserving Caribbean Legal Documents: The Importance of Preservation Management in the Alma Jordan Library's West Indiana Special Collection Division

Abstract

The article emphasises the importance of preservation management (PM) for archival collections in Libraries, Archives, and Museums (LAMs), particularly the West Indiana and Special Collection Division (WISC) of the Alma Jordan Library (AJL) at the University of the West Indies (The UWI). The collection houses unique collections that offer valuable insights into constitutional law evolution in West Indian societies. Despite PM principles, challenges faced by agents of deterioration, such as fire, water, pollutants, temperature, and mould, pose threats. The study suggests prioritising, developing, and implementing a comprehensive preservation policy and PM program to ensure long-term sustainability and availability for research and education. The article highlights the importance of preservation awareness weeks (PAWs) in promoting preservation programs for LAMs institutions, to ensure the long-term preservation and availability of archival collections. These programs cover disaster planning, binding repair, conservation treatment, staff education, care, handling, housekeeping, environmental conditions, and digitisation. It emphasises the need for policies and plans to ensure efficient management and protection of cultural heritage items, contributing to LAM's goals. The article spotlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders, including donors, curators, conservators, and researchers, for successful preservation policies and plans. It recommends regular training and education programs to ensure everyone understands their roles in preserving cultural heritage items and complying with regulations. While the full scope of the WISC cannot be discussed in detail, the researcher seeks to highlight the uniqueness of some legal collections within the West Indian repository and underlines how PM are critical for the long-term sustainability and availability of these valuable materials for research and educational purposes.