Alexander Turnbull Library

The Alexander Turnbull Library is made up of four areas: Published collections, Unpublished collections, Preservation and the National Preservation Office.

Published collections and Unpublished collections

Staff in the Published collections and Unpublished collections areas of the Turnbull Library:

• build and manage comprehensive collections across all formats
• arrange and describe items in the unpublished collections
• provide access and research advice for the Turnbull Library collections
• produce the annual research publication, the Turnbull Library Record.

Preservation

The Preservation unit of the Turnbull Library is made up of the Conservation Services and Copying and Digital Services teams.

Conservation staff:

• stabilise and house material for use, display and storage
• monitor special environments to ensure longevity of the collections
• train staff in the care and handling of library materials
• manage the Library’s disaster plan
• provide disaster recovery advice and services.

Copying and Digital Services staff provide:

• digital copying of library items in response to public requests
• surrogate and preservation copying of fragile items for use in the Library
• management of the digitisation of items for the Library’s digitisation programme
• management of the Library’s microfilming programmes.

National Preservation Office

The National Preservation Office (NPO) provides advice and training for those involved in managing collections in libraries, marae, archives, museums and galleries.

NPO staff:

• visit collections and buildings and provide preservation advice
• provide training in handling, storing, and conserving library and archive materials
• publish brochures on all matters relating to care, management and preservation of documentary heritage collections.

More about the National Preservation Office