Buildings of archives, libraries and museums in Northeastern Argentina

analysis from the perspective of preventive conservation

Abstract

Preventive conservation aims to avoid or minimize damage to collections through indirect measures. The physical environment, including the building structure and furniture are essential for both safeguarding collections and facilitating access.

This paper examines the building and furniture conditions of forty-two institutions located in Resistencia, Corrientes, and Formosa. The analysis is based on reports compiled in the archive of the Document Conservation Chair, (Information Science Program, Facultad de Humanidades, UNNE)

The building's analysis includes functionality (original purpose), space availability (quarantine, conservation, breaks), and building conditions (water issues, radiation, environment, pests). Additionally, the adequacy and sufficiency of furniture for the collections have been analysed.

The disheartening findings underscore the urgency of intensifying our efforts in raising awareness and completing outstanding tasks. This is paramount to improving the current conditions and aligning them with preventive conservation standards and recommendations; particularly given the substantial value of the documentary heritage housed by the institutions assessed.