Please note that the CAS has no formal affiliation with any of these institutions, organisations or societies and accepts no responsibility for the content of any external links.
The storage of archives, books and artefacts can be a daunting responsibility but starting with the basic principles of collection care is the best place to begin. The CAS have several Occasional Papers, such as the below, which relate to the care and organisation of collections; these can be purchased in the Publications section of this website. For further advice please email: catholicarchivesociety@gmail.com
- The Care and Management of Parish Records, by Jenny Delves (Archivist for the Archdiocese of Southwark), 2024: £8.00
- The Care of Artefacts in Archival Collections, by Naomi Johnson and Claire Marsland, 2020: £6.00
- Disaster Planning, Tamara Thornhill, 2011: £4.00
- Archival cataloguing standards and information technology, Paul Shaw, 2004: £3.00
Where Can I find Advice?
For conservation advice please see the Institute of Conservation website where you can find an Accredited Conservator near to you or who has the subject specialty you require : https://www.icon.org.uk/conservation-hub/find-a-conservator.html , also see The Conservation Register (listing professionally qualified conservators-restorers in the UK and Ireland):www.conservationregister.com and The National Conservation Service: www.conservationltd.com
It is also worth contacting your local Museums, Archives or University Special Collections as they may be able to provide advice.
National Museums and Archives often provide advice on their websites and social media. The following resources may be useful:
National Museum of Scotland
Basics of Collections Care: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care
https://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/advice-article/introduction-to-collections-care/
Object Handling: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-handling
Object Packing: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-packing
Object Labelling: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-labelling
Labelling Paper Objects: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-labelling/labelling-paper-objects
Labelling a Metal or Ceramic Object: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-labelling/labelling-a-metal-or-ceramic-object
Labelling a Textile Object: https://www.nms.ac.uk/our-impact/national-work/training-and-guidance-for-museums/collections-care/object-labelling/labelling-a-textile-object
The National Archives
Basics of Collections Care: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/our-role/collection-care/
Caring for Archives and Mixed Collections: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archives-sector/advice-and-guidance/managing-your-collection/caring-for-archives/
Collections Trust
Spectrum is the UK museum collections management standard that is also used around the world.
About: https://collectionstrust.org.uk/spectrum/
Resources: https://collectionstrust.org.uk/resources-start/
The Library of Congress
Advice on paper and book preservation: https://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/
Other useful links:
The Preservation Advisory Centre: www.bl.uk/blpac/index.html
Community Archives and Heritage Group: http://www.communityarchives.org/resources
Where do I buy Collections Care equipment and Materials?
Items which help us look after historic collections can be purchased from the following suppliers. This includes: acid free tissue, acid free boxes and folders, tyvek for covering artefacts and textiles, polyester pockets, cleaning materials such as brushes and smoke sponge, cotton tying tape etc.
Preservation Materials and Storage (Commercial):
Preservation Equipment www.preservationequipment.com
Conservation By Design www.conservation-by-design.co.uk
Conservation Resources https://conservation-resources.co.uk/
catholicarchivesociety.org 