Different materials react to temperature and humidity in different ways so buildings often have to employ a variety of systems and storage arrangements for a wide assortment of objects.

Long-term planning, monitoring and taking a ‘holistic' view are essential; as soon as material is acquired, owners and institutions should not only consider its immediate needs but how it's going to behave – and what maintenance it will require – 10, 15 or 100 years into the future.

And everyone from chief executives and curators to attendants and volunteers should keep an eye out for signs of deterioration and call in the experts when necessary.

“We need to make sure that the material in our care is accessible to people who want to see it. For example, there's been a huge increase in the numbers of people visiting archives in the light of family history programmes on television,” says Alison Walker of the National Preservation Office at the British Library.

“It's essential that the material is there for them to use and enjoy and also that we advise them on how to care for the very significant documents that they keep at home. The preservation of our culture is something that everyone can be involved in. ”

The NPO [www.bl.uk/services/npo/npo.html] advises the public and professionals alike on preservation issues.

Article by John Holt for MDA

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