Keep it for the Future: A community ‘how-to’ guide
Community groups who wish to preserve photographs and papers that document their own history now have an easy-to-use guide prepared by the National Archives of Australia.
Keep it for the Future was written by National Archives staff keen to share their expertise with the thousands of volunteers who care for the nation’s heritage.
“It provides a wealth of information and will be of great value to local history groups, genealogical societies, sporting or religious groups, ethnic groups, schools and other volunteer organisations,” said Ross Gibbs, Director-General of the National Archives.
The book covers everything an aspiring archivist might want to know, including how to identify which records a group should keep, as well as how to register, store and preserve them.
It also covers such topics as environmental conditions, handling archives and providing access to researchers, and points readers in the direction of the grants available for community heritage.
The book provides tips on keeping textiles, film and electronic records, as well as preparing a disaster recovery plan in case the worst happens. www.naa.gov.au.
