Preservation

Preservation A fundamental role of the National Library is to preserve Australia's documentary heritage, and to make sure it is available for people to use for as long as possible. Collecting material is only one step towards achieving this - the material also needs to be looked after if it is to remain useable. Preservation Services The Preservation Services Section ensures the ongoing access to physical collections by undertaking assessments, treatments, housing, storage reviews, surveys and collection stabilisation for exhibitions, loans and digitisation projects. This work is achieved within the guidelines of the Library’s Preservation Policy. The Library’s collections are diverse and vast. Staff face daily challenges to find ways of providing access to the collections whilst ensuring the condition of the collection is not compromised. A risk management approach to this work is essential, and the significance of collection items is used to help guide treatment approaches.