Conservation

Conservation measures play a vital role throughout archival operations. These measures include: evaluating the physical condition of incoming accessions, treating materials to preserve them and to prepare them for research or exhibit, making special containers and supports for documents, monitoring the condition of materials in use and in storage, and maintaining the environmental conditions of storage areas at archival standards. Research is carried out for improved means of stabilizing, treating, and storing materials to retard or arrest deterioration. Instruction in the correct handling of documents is provided to staff and users. Outreach activities include lectures, workshops, exhibits, and advice and technical assistance to other repositories.