Preserving the Past

Preservation

Preservation Protocol

The aim of the Archives Service is to make sure that the records in our care are kept safe and secure for present and future generations of users. As records are unique, fragile and largely organic they require specialised storage and care to ensure their continued survival.

Our archival collections are stored in the strongroom: a secure and environmentally stable area that offers optimum conditions for the preservation of records. Records are also placed in archival preservation materials, such as acid-free boxes and envelopes, to provide additional support and protection. This preservation environment ensures that the records are free from agents that could cause them harm, such as damp, mould or insects.

Conservation

Records that are mishandled or stored in poor storage conditions can often become damaged and illegible. Such documents require specialist repair work to ensure their survival and future use. Conservators carry out this work and the Archive Service regularly identifies items that are sent to professional conservation units for repair.