Conservation

The aim of the conservation unit is to preserve the archives in their original form for as long as possible.

Conservation work involves cleaning, repairing damage and sometimes, chemically treating documents to slow down deterioration.

Conservation staff treat the full range of archives held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) which includes paper and parchment manuscripts, maps and plans, prints, drawings, photographs, volumes and seals.  Conservation treatments are intrusive by nature and conservators only carry out those treatments which are absolutely necessary.

The conservators also have responsibility for disaster planning and preventative preservation functions which cover all aspects of collection care.

The conservation unit works closely with all other sections in PRONI to ensure that preservation standards are maintained by all staff and visitors.