The Monumental Challenge Of Preservation

The enormous task of preserving the world's heritage in the face of war, natural disaster, vandalism, neglect, and technical obsolescence. The monuments—movable, immovable, tangible, and intangible—of the world's shared cultural heritage are at risk. War, terrorism, natural disaster, vandalism, and neglect make the work of preservation a greater challenge than it has been since World War II. In The Monumental Challenge of Preservation Michèle Cloonan makes the case that, at this critical juncture, we must consider preservation in the broadest possible contexts. Preservation requires the efforts of an increasing number of stakeholders. In order to explore the cultural, political, technological, economic, and ethical dimensions of preservation, Cloonan examines particular monuments and their preservation dilemmas. The massive Bamiyan Buddhas, blown up by the Taliban in 2001, are still the subject of debates over how, or whether, to preserve what remains, and the U. S. National Park Service has undertaken the complex task of preserving the symbolic and often ephemeral objects that visitors leave at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—to take just two of the many examples described in the book. Cloonan also considers the ongoing genocide and cultural genocide in Syria; the challenges of preserving our digital heritage; the dynamic between original and copy; efforts to preserve the papers and architectural fragments of the architect Louis Sullivan; and the possibility of sustainable preservation. In the end, Cloonan suggests, we are what we preserve—and don't preserve. Every day we make preservation decisions, individually and collectively, that have longer-term ramifications than we might expect.

Embark on a captivating journey through the awe-inspiring wonders of ancient Egypt with the "Egyptian Monuments" book bundle. Immerse yourself in the mysteries, legends, and architectural marvels of the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and the Karnak Temple Complex. This exclusive collection of four meticulously crafted books is your key to unlocking the secrets of Egypt's most iconic monuments. Book 1, "Mysteries Unveiled: Exploring The Secrets Of The Pyramids Of Giza," invites you to step into the enigmatic world of the pyramids. Delve deep into the mysteries that have perplexed scholars and explorers for centuries. Uncover the secrets concealed within these monumental structures, from the precision of their construction to the hidden chambers that hold untold treasures. Prepare to be amazed as you unravel the enigmas of the Pyramids of Giza. In Book 2, "Echoes Of Eternity: Unraveling The Tales Of The Valley Of The Kings," immerse yourself in the sacred realm of the pharaohs. Journey into the mystical necropolis where the rulers of ancient Egypt were laid to rest. Experience the grandeur of their tombs, adorned with exquisite artistry and steeped in spiritual significance. Unearth the stories of their lives, their beliefs, and their eternal quest for immortality. The Valley of the Kings awaits, ready to reveal its timeless secrets. Book 3, "Sacred Sanctuaries: Journeying Through Luxor Temple," invites you to step into the realm of gods and goddesses. Explore the sacred halls of Luxor Temple, where myth and reality intertwine. Marvel at the intricate carvings, the towering statues, and the ethereal atmosphere that transports you to a bygone era. Experience the spiritual power that emanates from this ancient sanctuary, as you unravel the symbolism and uncover the profound rituals that once took place within its walls. Finally, in Book 4, "Divine Majesty: The Marvels Of The Karnak Temple Complex," you will be transported to a sprawling complex that embodies the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Karnak Temple Complex stands as a testament to the architectural genius of the civilization. Discover the colossal statues, the towering obelisks, and the sacred sanctuaries that pay homage to the gods. Marvel at the intricate details carved into every stone and immerse yourself in the divine majesty that defines this extraordinary complex. With the "Egyptian Monuments" book bundle, you will be captivated by the rich history, the cultural significance, and the awe-inspiring beauty of these iconic landmarks. Each book is meticulously researched, offering you an in-depth exploration of these ancient sites and shedding light on their enduring mysteries. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, an aspiring archaeologist, or simply fascinated by the wonders of the world, this book bundle is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and the Karnak Temple Complex. Immerse yourself in the timeless wonders of ancient Egypt and unravel the secrets that have fascinated humanity for millennia. Get your copy of the "Egyptian Monuments" book bundle today and let the magic of Egypt's ancient past come alive within your fingertips.

Changing Heritage presents the most comprehensive analysis of heritage issues available today. Critically analysing the complexity of the current and forthcoming issues faced by heritage, it presents insightful directions for the future. Drawing on the author’s many years of experience working in senior positions at UNESCO, the book presents discussions of heritage sites all around the world. Today, our cultural and natural legacies face significant threats due to social and economic developments, political pressures, and unresolved historical issues. This book delves into these threats from two distinct perspectives: internal tensions and external pressures. The internal tensions include the disregard for human rights and gender equality; the increasing exploitation of heritage for political purposes; the development of post-colonial perspectives; and the necessity to reassess the established notion of "universal value." External pressures stem from global processes, unsustainable tourism, political conflicts, ethnic clashes, and religious strife that are causing destruction in numerous parts of the world. Examining the dynamics between heritage and these internal tensions and external pressures, Bandarin offers insights into the challenges faced and emphasises the imperative role of civil society in safeguarding the value of heritage for present and future generations. Changing Heritage explores a wide range of issues surrounding the crisis in heritage management on an international level. It will be essential reading for heritage scholars, students, and professionals

This book offers insights into changes brought about by the enormous growth of the internet. There are new ways to share cultural heritage materials through online finding aids, exhibits, and other initiatives. What has been accomplished across libraries, archives, and museums? The authors consider that question by using case studies to explore activities in 14 libraries, archives, museums, and other heritage organizations. They consider what we can learn from current collaborations within and across libraries, archives, and museums and why some collaborations are successful while others cannot be sustained. Their findings are based on observations and interviews at institutions and organizations in the United States, Australia, and the U.K. These organizations have worked to make their collections accessible. Some have simply digitized their collections, while others have enhanced their collection management systems. Others have incorporated digital asset management systems to organize and retrieve media, and to manage digital rights and permissions. Most of these institutions and organizations have succeeded through strategic partnerships, strategic planning, and insightful leadership. However, the book also contains examples of institutions that have undergone transitions: one of the museums closed, and another closed its library. Taken together, the fourteen institutions shed light on professional practices today.

The fourth in a series that documents architectural conservation in different parts of the world, Architectural Conservation in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands: National Experiences and Practice addresses cultural heritage protection in a region which comprises one third of the Earth’s surface. In response to local needs, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have developed some of the most important and influential techniques, legislation, doctrine and theories in cultural heritage management in the world. The evolution of the heritage protection ethos and contemporary architectural conservation practices in Australia and Oceania are discussed on a national and regional basis using ample illustrations and examples. Accomplishments in architectural conservation are discussed in their national and international contexts, with an emphasis on original developments (solutions) and contributions made to the overall field. Enriched with essays contributed from fifty-nine specialists and thought leaders in the field, this book contains an extraordinary breadth and depth of research and synthesis on the why’s and how’s of cultural heritage conservation. Its holistic approach provides an essential resource and reference for students, academics, researchers, policy makers, practitioners and all who are interested in conserving the built environment.

This is the first book to consider the development of all three cultural heritage institutions – libraries, archives, and museums – and their interactions with society and culture from ancient history to the present day in Western Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The text explores the social and cultural role of these institutions in the societies that created them, as well as the political, economic and social influences on their mission, philosophy, and services and how those changed throughout time. The work provides a thorough background in the topic for graduate students and professionals in the fields of library and information science, archival studies, and museum resource management, preservation, and administration. Arranged chronologically, the story begins with the temple libraries of ancient Sumer, followed the growth and development of governmental and private libraries in ancient Greece and Rome, the influence of Asia and Islam on Western library development, the role of Christianity in the preservation of ancient literature as well as the skills of reading and writing during the Middle Ages, and the coming of the Renaissance and the rise of the university library. It continues by tracing the gradual division between archives and libraries and the growth of governmental and private libraries as independent institutions during and after the Renaissance and through the Enlightenment, and the development of public and private museums from the “cabinets of curiousities” of private collectors beginning in the 17th century. Individual chapters explore the further growth and development of libraries, archives, and museums in the 19th and 20th centuries, exploring the public library and public museum movements of those centuries, as well as the rise of the governmental and institutional archive. The final chapter discusses the growing collaboration between and even convergence of these institutions in the 21st century and the impact of modern information technology, and makes predictions about the future of all three institutions.

In its newest edition, Foundations of Library and Information Science remains the field's essential resource.

Building Histories offers innovative accounts of five medieval monuments in Delhi—the Red Fort, Rasul Numa Dargah, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, and the Qutb complex—tracing their modern lives from the nineteenth century into the twentieth. Mrinalini Rajagopalan argues that the modern construction of the history of these monuments entailed the careful selection, manipulation, and regulation of the past by both the colonial and later postcolonial states. Although framed as objective “archival” truths, these histories were meant to erase or marginalize the powerful and persistent affective appropriations of the monuments by groups who often existed outside the center of power. By analyzing these archival and affective histories together, Rajagopalan works to redefine the historic monument—far from a symbol of a specific past, the monument is shown in Building Histories to be a culturally mutable object with multiple stories to tell.