An important area of collections care work is exhibition display, both in the National Library of Scotland and elsewhere.
Conservators work with curatorial staff to assess the suitability of potential exhibits and carry out any necessary remedial treatments prior to exhibition. They also assist with setting up the exhibitions at the Library.
Display conditions
The conservators make support cradles and mounts to ensure that items are displayed safely and to their best advantage.
They ensure that light levels, temperature and relative humidity are monitored and controlled for the duration of the exhibition.
Items on loan
We are responsible for administering and facilitating the loan of items for exhibition at other organisations.
This involves checking that the borrowing institutions can meet our security and environmental requirements, and organising the packing, transportation and installation of items.
Preparing for exhibitions or lending Library material involves a great deal of work to ensure that what is put on show for the public today will be preserved for future generations.