This statement of principles, which represents a general approach to the nature and objectives of conservation and restoration work rather than a detailed description of methods and practices, is designed to encourage those responsible for the care of library collections to face up to the consequences of neglect and, together with their technical and scientific experts, to formulate a positive policy on the future of their collections. Factors that should be considered are presented in outline format under these headings: general observations on conservation; protection against physical damage, biological damage, and chemical damage; general observations on restoration; restoration of the body of an item or of individual leaves; and restoration of bindings. (JD)