Plastics in Australian Archives: An Industry Survey Regarding Prevalence, Condition, and Preservation Strategies. (17th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Cancy; Nel, Petronella
• Is Part Of: Studies in conservation. Volume 68:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 136
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2023-02-17
• Subjects: Plastic materials -- modern materials -- synthetic polymers -- archival conservation -- paper-based materials -- industry survey -- questionnaire -- Australia; Art objects -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; 700.288
• DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2021.1996093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3630

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In recent decades, there has been an increased focus on the identification, storage, and treatment of polymer-based plastic materials in cultural heritage collections. While the need for the preservation of plastics in audio-visual collections is well established, there is evidence that unstable plastics are also associated with paper-based collections. This paper investigates whether libraries and archives need to direct preservation resources towards risks posed by plastics in paper-based collections. As there is no available documentation on the types and condition of associated plastics, Australian archives were surveyed using an online questionnaire. Respondents reported associated plastics in over 90% of archives, and ∼50% observed these to be in poor condition. It is concluded that preservation resources that are specific to vulnerable plastic materials in Australian paper-based collections need to be developed and communicated.