Records for preservation dating from 1817 to present day

Preservation

The National Archives aims to ensure that public records are preserved for present and future access. We work to raise awareness amongst readers and staff of the joint responsibility for material in our care.

The National Archives' preservation service aims to preserve the records through:

Preservation

Preservation is a fundamental responsibility through which The National Archives ensures the continuing availability and authenticity of the archival records that it holds in trust for present and future generations.

Preservation refers to a specific set of non-intrusive preservation actions undertaken without actual physical intervention or chemical treatments of the archival records.

Punch cards from early computer systems

Digital preservation

The records of government are increasingly created in electronic form and The National Archives are playing an active role in storing and preserving digital material. The diversity of electronic records and frequent changes in computer technology present a range of challenges that need to be tackled in order to ensure that these records remain accessible over the long-term.

Work in this area is undertaken at The National Archives by the digital preservation department.

Conservation

Conservation refers to specific treatments and techniques applied to protect archive materials from further deterioration which involves direct intervention with the object.

The National Archives has one of the largest conservation departments in the UK. It employs 32 staff engaged in the treatment of manuscripts, books, photographs, seals.