Purpose of the Policy, monitoring and review

1.1 This policy forms part of the suite of policies relating specifically to the collections held by Lancashire Archives. It should be read in conjunction with the Collections Management Policy, which describes the statutory and legal basis for Lancashire Archives, the preservation and management of its collections, the framework of standards within which it operates and the code of ethics followed by staff caring for and working on the collections.

1.2 The Collections Care and Conservation Policy outlines the strategic approach of Lancashire Archives in caring for and conserving its archive collections to ensure that they will be available for future generations to use and enjoy. It provides a comprehensive statement on the preservation of the archive collections and communicates the principles that guide the conservation activities necessary for their long-term protection and security.

1.3 The Collections Care and Conservation Policy provides a framework to aid managerial decisions on future development, a source of information to staff who share a common responsibility in caring for the collections, a statement of commitment to archive users and depositors, a supporting document to facilitate funding applications, and a benchmark to improve standards and measure performance.

1.4 The following British Standards underpin this policy:
BS 4971:2017 Conservation and care of archive and library collections;
PAS 197:2009 Code of practice for cultural collections management;
BS EN 16893:2018 Conservation of Cultural Heritage – Specifications for location, construction and modification of buildings or rooms intended for the storage or use of heritage collections.

1.5 The Archives Service Manager, the Senior Archivist and the Archive Conservators are responsible for developing the Collections Care and Conservation Policy and for ensuring that it is implemented, monitored and reviewed.

1.6 The Archives Service Manager is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate funding for collections care and conservation at Lancashire Archives and sufficient trained staff with appropriate knowledge to accomplish long-term objectives in this area.

1.7 We will review this policy no later than 5 years after the date of approval.