Conservation is a process aimed at enhancing the useful life of anything. It includes
preservation and restoration. Preservation aims at the maintenance of the original
forms and formats while restoration aims at reinforcing the strength and removing
the damages.
Preservation invloves the methods and processes which normally do not disturb the
original condition of the material. These include processes like storage, ventilation,
air conditioning, fumigation, disinfection, microfilming, handling, protection against
fire and flood, theft and vandalism etc.
Restoration aims at strengthening the document and enhancing its strength and durability
in handling and natural ageing. However, restoration should not affect the originality,
authenticity of the document and all the restoring material must be of durable,
permanent and non-corrosive nature. The restoration process adopted should always
be reversible. A thorough examination of the document should be taken up before
embarking on restoration.
Traditional Techniques of Conservation
in India
Modern Techniques of Restoration
Dating of Documents