Preservation: keeping archives sustainable
On first receiving a collection, an archivist removes all unsustainable and harmful material from the collection, and replaces these with more sustainable alternatives. Metal paperclips, staples and pins, as well as rubber bands and sellotape are removed, as these are harmful to the documents. These are replaced with special plastic paperclips to keep items together. Material is packed into acid-free folders, and placed in acid-free boxes. Photographs and particularly fragile textual documents are protected further using sheets or pockets made from a clear polyester called Mylar. All these materials are specifically designed for long-term use and reuse in archives.
Today’s image showcases some of the various materials we use to preserve our collections such as acid-free boxes, folder and paper, mylar and paperclips.
(click image to zoom)
In 2019, the Glucksman Library launched the Green Library campaign, whereby working to eliminate single-use plastics from the library. The library strongly discourages the use of single use containers, however reusable cups, bottles and containers that have a lid are permitted.
© All images held at Glucksman Library. Please contact us for copyright information and permission to reproduce.
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