Conservation is divided into two categories: preventive methods and remedial treatments
Preventive conservation methods
This involves applying methods to reduce the risk of damage and deterioration while items are in store or are being used. Preventive conservation involves activities such as:
- Surveying collections to ascertain their preservation needs
- Monitoring the environment in the stores, reading room and display areas to maintain stable temperature, humidity and managed light levels to minimize the deterioration of collections and the fading of media
- Checking for pests in our stores, such as silverfish, which feed on paper collections
- Boxing manuscripts, rare books and other items in archival boxes to protect from dust, light and buffer changes in environmental conditions
- Training staff in correct handling practices to minimise damage
- Packing and transporting Special Collections material safely
- Advising colleagues on government standards for the care of collections, for example in designing new storage facilities or exhibiting cultural heritage
- Emergency preparedness, knowing how to react in the event of a disaster that could threaten our collections
- Knowledge sharing and raising awareness of best practice in the conservation through teaching, internships and providing advice.
Remedial conservation treatments
Remedial conservation is the practical treatment and repair of artefacts, to make them safe to use and ensure they are in good condition for exhibition or digitisation. Conservation treatment is carried out in accordance with international code of ethics, it is undertaken by trained conservators in the Cadbury Research Library's paper conservation studio, fitted with specialist equipment.
Careers in Conservation
If you are interested in starting a career in the conservation of cultural heritage, take a look at the training and opportunities advertised through the Institute of Conservation, the UK's umbrella organisation for the conservation profession.