Preservation and Conservation

The Preservation and Conservation Department is responsible for the treatment and care of all of the Library’s collections.

The priority collections include: Early Printed Books; Manuscript collections; Irish and British legal deposits; College archives; material unique or significant to Trinity College Dublin; and material collected under shared preservation or resource management agreements.

The Department undertakes conservation treatments and research; condition surveys and documentation; environmental monitoring; boxing and re-housing projects; preparation of material for exhibition and loan; and preventive care activities. It plays a lead role in disaster preparedness and recovery, and provides advice and instruction to Library staff on collection care and handling.

All Library staff are responsible for the care of the collection. Please use the Preservation Incident Report form to notify of any hazard to the collection.

See the Collection Handling and Emergency Alarm procedures.

Heritage Council Internships

The Heritage Council of Ireland provides annual funds for Conservation Internships and Work Placements, as part of the Council's commitment to the promotion of best practice for conservation across Ireland. The Library has participated in the programme since 2008, joint-funding internships for graduates of conservation courses.