Newsflashes

Hide message

Newsflash:

We're open from 1pm to 5pm on Anzac Day, Thursday 25 April. Normal hours and services will resume on Friday 26 April. Find our Anzac Day opening hours here ›

Caring for the collections

Caring for the collections

Collection care

Collection Care ensures that the Library’s rich and extensive collections are available to all those who wish to use them.

Conservator binding a book

Fact sheets

Care of paper based materials

Paper-based materials are relatively fragile, however, there are ways that you can preserve their longevity.

Woman carefully repairing old map

Caring for photographs

Each photographic process is unique but general guidelines may be given about their care, storage and use.

Woman carefully repairing glass portrait

Dealing with mould

Mould can not only damage paper based materials but is a significant health risk.

Woman removing mould from silk banner

Storage of newspapers

Newspapers are generally not made to last. In order to prolong their life a number of steps may be taken, the most vital of these being adequate storage.

Newpapers folded up ontop of each other

Drying a wet book

How to dry a wet book carefully without damaging it.

Old brown leather books on bookcase

Smoke and odour removal

How to rescue paper based materials that have been affected by smoke or odours.

Gloved hands handling objects wrapped in brown paper and string

Further information about collection care

The Collection Care Branch can help with information about preserving, storing and protecting your collections.

Conservator Kate Hughes examining Synchrotron images of natural history drawings from the 1790s.