Chronicle Preservation explores the crucial topic of preserving historical records, examining how societies have strived to safeguard knowledge across time. It highlights the evolution of preservation methods, from the meticulous work of ancient manuscript preservation to the complex challenges of modern digital archiving. For instance, the transition from hand-copied manuscripts to the printing revolution not only increased the volume of information but also introduced new preservation challenges, such as managing acidic paper's degradation. The book emphasizes that preservation is not a neutral act but is intertwined with cultural values, power dynamics, and the choices we make about what survives.
The book adopts a chronological approach, guiding readers through three key phases: the age of manuscripts, the printing revolution, and the digital era. It examines the technologies and techniques that defined each period, as well as the social and economic factors that influenced preservation efforts. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, exploring the unique challenges and ethical considerations that arise with each technological advancement.
Ultimately, Chronicle Preservation aims to challenge readers to critically examine the biases inherent in preservation efforts and to consider the ethical implications of choosing what to save and who gets access to it.
