15th June 2026
Preservation Services at University of Illinois Library
I visited the Preservation Services Unit at the University of Illinois Library and gained valuable insight into its efforts to ensure long-term access to library collections. The unit preserves both the physical and intellectual content of materials through conservation, digitisation, reformatting, and digital preservation. Originating from a preservation program established in 1934, it has grown into a multifaceted operation that protects print, audiovisual, and born-digital resources. Its collections include audio and video materials such as tapes, records, gramophones, and playback equipment gathered from across the University of Illinois community.
The visit highlighted several specialised areas, including Collections Care, Conservation, Digital Preservation, Media Preservation, and Digitisation Services. Particularly impressive was the Conservation Unit, where damaged books and rare materials receive professional treatment and repair. Staff also provide support for exhibition preparation and emergency response for water- or mould-damaged collections.
The Collections Care program demonstrated the importance of preventive preservation through environmental monitoring, pest management, disaster preparedness, and maintenance of library stacks. Equally noteworthy was the Digital Preservation Program, which ensures continued access to digital assets through systematic management and storage within the Medusa digital repository.
Overall, the visit showcased how preservation today extends beyond repairing physical books to encompass the stewardship of digital and multimedia resources, ensuring that scholarly and cultural heritage remains accessible for future generations.
Reflection
This visit reinforced my understanding that preservation is a strategic and proactive responsibility rather than merely a repair function. I was particularly inspired by the integration of traditional conservation techniques with advanced digital preservation practices. The experience emphasised the importance of adopting a holistic preservation framework in libraries, combining preventive care, disaster preparedness, digitisation, and digital curation.
As a library professional, I gained new perspectives on how preservation contributes directly to sustainable access, institutional memory, and the long-term value of library collections.
AI Tools for Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis
As associated attended a session on AI Tools for Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis. The session was delivered by Ms. Sarah G. Park, Mathematics Librarian at the University Library. I gained valuable insights into how artificial intelligence can support different stages of the systematic review (SR) process. The session introduced the fundamentals of systematic reviews, emphasizing their importance in answering focused research questions through comprehensive, transparent, and reproducible methods.
The presenter discussed several AI-powered tools, including ChatGPT, Scite, Consensus, Elicit, Research Rabbit, Citation Chaser, Rayyan, and Covidence. These tools can assist researchers in formulating research questions, identifying relevant literature, tracking citations, screening studies, extracting data, and synthesizing findings. However, the session highlighted that no single AI tool can complete the entire systematic review process independently. AI tools should be used cautiously because of limitations such as hallucinations, lack of transparency, privacy concerns, and challenges in reproducing search results.
Key Reflection:
My most important takeaway is that AI should be viewed as a supportive partner rather than a replacement for researchers and librarians. While AI can improve efficiency and reduce workload in specific tasks, human expertise remains essential for ensuring accuracy, transparency, ethical use, and methodological rigor throughout the systematic review process. This balanced approach will help researchers benefit from AI while maintaining the quality and credibility of evidence synthesis.
17th June 2026
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Illinois
As part of the Mortenson Centre Associates Program, I visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, to examine its innovative approaches to historical preservation, public engagement, and educational outreach. The institution serves as a premier repository of materials related to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States.
The visit provided valuable insights into integrating archival collections, museum exhibitions, and digital technologies to facilitate learning. The museum’s immersive exhibits effectively contextualise Lincoln’s personal journey, political leadership, and the social challenges of nineteenth-century America. Through interactive displays, original artifacts, and interpretive storytelling, the institution demonstrates best practices in making historical information accessible to diverse audiences.
Particularly noteworthy was the museum’s commitment to preserving primary source materials while simultaneously promoting civic education and historical literacy. The visit highlighted the critical role libraries and museums play in safeguarding cultural heritage, supporting research, and fostering informed citizenship. The experience also offered practical lessons on audience-centred programming, exhibition design, and the use of technology to enhance user engagement.
Reflection
- The visit reinforced the importance of combining archival preservation with innovative interpretive methods to create meaningful, inclusive, and educational experiences for contemporary audiences.