A Revolution in Preservation: digitizing political posters at the National Library of Cuba

Abstract

Cuba's Biblioteca Nacional José Martí houses a collection of Revolutionary graphic political posters that have generated international interest for their unique artistic style and controversial messages. Since the onset of the “Special Period,” a time of extreme economic hardship, librarians and archivists have tried to maintain the collection under less-than-ideal conditions. While library staff does not lack knowledge, energy, and dedication, the preservation situation at the BNJM remains grim. However, digitization of the poster collection can be used as a way to hedge against current deterioration and possible damage to or destruction of the collection during an episode of political change.

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