Library preservation and sustainable actions: the experiences of Indonesian special libraries

Abstract This study sought to examine sustainable preservation practices in Indonesian special libraries. The study reveals current practices around sustainable preservation across five aspects: policies and regulations; energy saving; preventive conservation; sustainable actions that support the implementation of conservation measures; and waste management. The lack of financial support emerged as a significant barrier, while collaboration was viewed as a significant opportunity. The study applied quantitative approaches to collecting data by distributing a survey form to 10 selected special libraries in Indonesia. The study highlights how respondents at special libraries are building sustainability into their preservation activities and subsequently provides recommendations which are applicable to other libraries. Since studies addressing sustainable practices in library preservation in special libraries receive relatively little attention, this study offers a novel perspective on sustainable preservation methods in special libraries.