Preservation and collections management
Preservation and Collections Management (PCM) encompasses:
- Conservation
- Micrographics
- Repository
- Electronic Records
- Collections Management
PCM is responsible for prolonging the life of the documents in its care by maintaining their physical stability and protecting them from further loss or damage. In reality, nothing lasts forever and documents will deteriorate in time, but the main aim is to slow down the rate of deterioration as far as possible.
At the moment, PCM staff are deeply involved with the New Record Office Project, preparing PRONI’s archives for removal and transfer to our new location. It is also contributing significantly to the RecordsNI 
implementation, the ultimate goal of which is to roll out an electronic records management system to the whole NICS.
implementation, the ultimate goal of which is to roll out an electronic records management system to the whole NICS.The section has an important role in advising PRONI staff, members of the public and other institutions on preservation issues via the internet and other cultural resources/projects such as:
- PRONI website - preservation guides and policy documents are available online, including a Disaster Plan Template (432KB)
which can be adapted for any cultural organisation. - Collections Link - many of our key preservation guides and policy documents are also available for viewing on the Collections Link website .
- National Preservation Office (NPO) - we are represented at national level on the NPO’s Preservation Advisory Panel.
- Institute of Conservation (ICON) - we are currently hosting an HLF-ICON Training Bursary Scheme placement in PRONI where a trainee is offered training in various conservation/preservation disciplines.
For further details on any or the above functions, see Professional Information.
