In the Library catalogue entry of some newspapers, you may notice the note ‘Conservation Category’. This refers to the condition of the newspaper for the nominated years. The note will appear like this:
'Conservation category 3. Damaged: 1969-1970.'
'Conservation category 4. 1919'
The categories alert newspapers users (both Library staff and public) to the condition of the nominated years - the lower the number, the better the condition. For newspapers, there are four categories:
Conservation category 1: Frail
Conservation category 2. Fragile
Conservation category 3. Damaged
Conservation category 4.Use with extreme caution
Many of our earlier Victorian newspapersare bound, though not all. Often the entire year is classified as 'fragile' - but sometimes it is only some issues within the volume. Sadly, many of these fragile issuesare untreatable. Newspapers were published on thin paper and were not designedto last very long.
The Library has treated and repaired fragile papers where possible. Thesepapers can be ordered; however, users may need to adjust theirhandling technique to suit the condition of the paper. Staff in the Heritage Collections Reading Room (where the papers are viewed)may need to assess if the paper can be viewed - and will assist usersto view and handle the material as required.
