Manuscript storage

The National Library of Australia is considering a program to guard and
bind loose leaf manuscripts in our collection on a very selective basis.
The 'tipping in' and binding of manuscripts has never been a practice in
this institution. factors affecting our decision will include:  security
from theft, protection from damage or loss, preserving the order of
items.  complicating issues include: exhibition demands for single items
which may then require temporary disbinding, variations in the size of
items, cost, storage space required. We would be grateful to receive
information or comments from anyone who binds manuscripts, in particular
advantages and disadvantages of the method. we would also be grateful
for comments from anyone using any alternative methods that ensure the
security, order and preservation of loose leaf manuscript collections.

Cobus van Breda
Conservator
National Library of Australia
Parkes Place, Canberra, 2600
Fax 616 2571703
email jlyall [at] abn__nla__gov__au

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 6:41
                 Distributed: Tuesday, February 2, 1993
                        Message Id: cdl-6-41-008
                                  ***