About Conservation
The Library’s preservation program was established in 2001 and the on-going Preservation Program is funded as part of the Digitisation Program. A generous donation by Pip and Dick Smith to the Institute enabled the Library to equip the conservation workroom with specialist paper conservation equipment, allowing a wide range of conservation treatments to be undertaken.
The aim of the preservation program is to maintain and preserve the Library’s collections in accordance with their significance and their use. The preservation program has the responsibility for a wide range of activities ensuring the ongoing care and accessibility of the collection.
Preservation responsibilities include
- assessment and preparation of collection items for digitisation and display
- preventive conservation - maintaining storage and environmental conditions, advising on archival storage methods
- assessment and treatment of collection items
- providing preservation advice to staff and clients
- disaster planning - disaster prevention and control
- Preservation activities are undertaken in accordance with the Australian Institute of Cultural Materials (AICCM) Code of Ethics and Code of Practice
What you can do to preserve documents and photographs at home
In an effort to provide preservation information to Family History clients who are unable to visit the Library, the conservation staff have written information leaflets for library clients on caring for their own collection. These documents show that preservation doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. It is possible to achieve significant improvements in longevity of materials by simple protection methods and improved handling techniques.
The sheets also provide some technical information on the materials to help clients understand the nature of the material they are working with and how it may deteriorate.
Preservation Information sheets (pdf)
1. Storage Strategies illustrates affordable products you can use to safely store your family papers.
2. First Aid for your Family Archive - provides a quick list of Do's and Don'ts when working with your family papers.
3. Preserving your Family Archive - steps to take to prolong the life of your family papers.
4. Preserving your Photographs at Home - steps to take to prolong the life of your family photographs.
5. Archival Suppliers and websites providing useful preservation information.
To contact conservation staff phone 02 62461129 or email to conservation@aiatsis.gov.au