In an effort to provide persons with basic knowledge regarding the preservation of their personal cultural information and artifacts, a workshop titled “Preservation and Conservation for Beginners” was held during Bocas Lit Fest at the National Library.

The workshop targeted authors, literary enthusiasts and other persons interested in preserving their paper-based materials and was conducted by Danielle Fraser, Library Conservator and the Head of the Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Laboratory at the Heritage Library Division, Nalis.  

Participants were informed about the environmental, biological and human factors that contribute to the deterioration of paper-based materials and educated on how to combat agents of deterioration, which include incorrect temperature, insects and the mishandling of materials. The attendees also gained advice on appropriate storage conditions and were given options for preservation such as the digitization of their paper-based materials. 

The workshop concluded with a full tour of the PAC Lab. The Lab was officially commissioned in 2013 and

is designated as the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ Preservation and Conservation Centre for the English-speaking Caribbean. Staff at the NALIS PAC Lab provide technical expertise regarding the overall longevity of library materials. Additionally, they advise public and private organisations on the care of their collections and artifacts.