Archives
Ann Fletcher, Archives Adviser archives @ guidesqld. org
Your Archives Can you provide air conditioning 24 / 7?
Do you have powder-coated steel shelving and a coated concrete floor?
Do you have unbuffered folder stock to protect the items?
Do you have acid-free tissue, acid-free containers, archival grade cardboard, archival grade cardboard boxes and large textile boxes to store archival materials?
Do you have specific vacuum fittings for cleaning precious archives?
Do you have a Disaster Kit for immediate response to human accidents or natural crises?
Do you have a warning system in place linked to an external agency, prompt attention available via an alarm to emergency services, sprinklers and fire extinguishers to halt fire, and an alarm against theft?
Can you guarantee speedy removal to safe storage in an emergency? Can you back that up with the hire of an industrial fan and dehumidifier if needed?
If you cannot say yes to the above points, take a moment to consider the benefits of storing your archives for the secure, long term protection of the Queensland State Girl Guide Archive.
But how will you be able to access your archives?
You could keep copies knowing the precious original is held in an environment where temperature and relative humidity are monitored. You could request information whenever required and borrow your items for special displays.
The State Guide Archive holds our Guiding history to be shared with past, present and future members. Everything must be stored correctly to ensure the stories of our past remain.
Currently the State Archive is housed in the Gould Road building and we have been assured it will stay there at least until the end of this year. After that, it will be moved to an air-conditioned dehumidified area in the new Support Centre.
July 2013 Queensland on the Go Page 21