About the archives
Introduction
The University Archives and Special Collections contain many resources to support teaching and research. As well as material relating to the history of the University, from its foundations in 1896 up to the present day, we also hold many special collections, built up over the past forty years by purchase, gift, deposit and bequest. These include a number of unique collections, mostly relating to late nineteenth and early twentieth-century literary, political and social history. They are a rich and diverse resource, supporting academic research, teaching and learning, while also being of wider interest to local historians, genealogists, and the local community in general.
Visit us
Access is by appointment. Readers intending to use the Archives should make contact in advance, giving details of their research and listing the items that they wish to consult.
If you wish to arrange a visit, or have any queries about the collections, please email Ian Johnston - I.Johnston@salford.ac.uk, or contact him via +44 (0)161 295 6650.
Preservation
Purpose
The principal duty of the University of Salford Archives and Special Collections is to preserve the documentary heritage in its care for future generations, whilst at the same time enabling and promoting access to this material. In pursuing this end we aim to protect the documents, as far as possible, from physical deterioration.
'Preservation' is the means by which archives are protected for the use of present and future generations. It describes the ways in which the collections should be safeguarded and kept in good physical condition. This can be done through a variety of measures aimed both at minimising the risk of loss of records and slowing down, as much as possible, the processes of physical deterioration which affect most archive materials.
This policy provides a statement of the University’s commitment to preservation of its archive collections.
1. Preservation Policy Statement
Preservation is a central function of the University of Salford Archives and Special Collections, underpinning all its core activities. We will seek to ensure that:
- Archival material is stored in a safe and secure environment
- Appropriate protective storage is provided for archival documents
- Good housekeeping practices are followed
- Consultation of records is controlled and supervised at all times
- All staff and users of archival material are advised of safe handling procedures
- Surrogates are provided, where practicable, for archival material which is in high demand or unsuitable for production in its original form
- All new accessions are inspected and cleaned as appropriate
2. Acquisition
Only material that we can preserve and provide access to will be acquired. Material for which we cannot provide specialist care or necessary special conditions will not be collected.
3. Good handling practices
- Guidelines on safe handling should be provided to all users of archival material
- Appropriate equipment which will enable users to handle items correctly should be available
4. Staff guidance and training
All staff undertaking work in the University archive and special collections will receive guidance and training in the following areas, where appropriate:
- Handling of archives
- Cleaning and packaging
- Causes of deterioration
- Manual handling (in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act)
5. Displays and exhibitions of archives
University of Salford archives and special collections will ensure that:
- Guidelines are provided for the exhibition of original documents
- Wherever practicable, surrogates are offered for display in place of originals
- Requests for temporary withdrawal of items from collections are subject to the prior approval of the University Archivist
- A condition of loan agreement, whether short term or long term, is signed
- Selection of original items and frequency and duration of use for display are carefully considered
- The condition of original documents is recorded before and after display
6. Disaster control planning
- A disaster control plan for the building in which the archives are stored should be in place and should be reviewed on a regular basis
7. Monitoring and review
This policy will be subject to regular monitoring and review. It should be seen as a working document and may be subject to modification at any time.