ABSTRACT
Preservation of archives has been described as 'the means by which the survival of selected material is ensured for enduring access'. Preservation operates at all levels in an archive ranging from the archive's formal policy, strategy and standards to the behaviour of researchers in the reading room. Storing archives in an appropriate way is the cornerstone of preservation and there are recognised standards that provide a framework of reference. The principal means of preserving any archive collection is the building in which it is stored. The principal means of preserving any archive collection is the building in which it is stored. Shelving should ideally be constructed of a strong, inert and non-combustible material that can both support the weight of the archives and not compromise their preservation. In addition to the archive storage area the building will need an area for receiving and processing new accessions of archives.
