Most collections spend 99% of their time in storage. Although physical damage through handling is avoided, items that are stored in poor conditions will still decay: organic materials such as paper and books do not have to be handled in order to become degraded. In our experience, it is the chemical break-down of cellulose that presents the real threat to the longevity of organic objects, and little used collections are usually in a worse condition than those which are referred to regularly. If collections spend their entire life span in poor storage, then even the slowest chemical breakdown can render them unusable.
Money spent on financing practical conservation treatments is wasted unless there is a similar investment in adequate storage facilities. By emphasising an holistic approach to the care and maintainance of collections, Preservation Solutions is well placed to advise on the most cost effective methods of upgrading storage and environmental conditions. We follow the industry guidelines established by BS.5454 (2000), but also recognise that this is the standard bench mark of excellence, and that few organisations can hope to attain many of its recommendations. However, an inability to reach the ideal should not preclude getting as close to it as possible, and we are aware of the need for intelligent compromise, and are expert in the effective use of limited available resources. The needs of most collections are generally beyond their prescribed funds, and therefore any conservation and preservation treatments are usually seen in the negative: ie. what cannot be achieved rather than what can. With many clients we have proved that it is possible to alter this perception, through the use of medium and long-term strategies which aim to balance needs with expectations. By developing a realistic preservation programme, which is able to deliver positive and tangible change, it is possible to encourage a greater commitment to collection care from the individuals and committees who are the principle decision makers within an organisation.
An accurate knowledge of local environmental conditions is at the heart of any programme of preservation management, and this is best achieved through regular monitoring of temperature and humidity. To this end we promote the use of digital thermohyrgographs, in tandem with remote datalogging systems. We work closely with MEACO Sales and Marketing Ltd, the market leaders in this field, and are therefore well placed to advise on suitable equipment. Whilst these systems do not, in themselves, control temperature and humidity, they do allow for a greater understanding of environmental conditions, which influences how collections can best be stored.
A preservation programme should include a Disaster Plan. A disaster has been described as an event that has not been prepared for, and it implies something catastrophic. However, such a situation is relative to the amount of preparedness, and even the most basic forward planning can prevent an unexpected and untoward event from becoming a "disaster". At its simplest, a good Disaster Plan should do two things: secure collections against the threat of disaster, and provide appropriate and adequate support facilities if and when disaster strikes. Preservation Solutions has experience in advising clients on how to avoid such situations, and how best to deal with them should they occur.
"Over the last 10 years, our paper conservation projects have ranged in size from £30 to £30,000. We have found that nothing is too small to matter, or too large to cope with."