Prevention

Thanks to underground storage facilities that meet conservation standards, and sturdy, durable bindings and protective packaging, the National Library is able to preserve its collections in the best possible condition. Raising user awareness and having an emergency response plan in place are also key aspects of prevention.

The NL uses a variety of bindings to conserve publications.

The National Library usually holds only a single copy of each printed document. This means that the archive copy is also the copy available for use. For this reason, we attach great importance to optimal storage conditions and the careful handling of the works.

The two underground stacks provide ideal storage conditions for the NL’s more than 6.5 million items. The temperature is maintained at a constant 18°C with a humidity level of 45% – perfect for storing paper. For photographic holdings there is an underground floor with a temperature of 13°C and humidity of 35%. Furthermore, light exposure is kept to a minimum, and dust and pollutants in the air are kept to a low level by filter systems.

Bookbinding

All new acquisitions are sent to our in-house bindery to be prepared for storage in the stacks. For works that are not in book or brochure form, we prepare protective packaging. Publications that are not adequately protected by their original binding are sent to an external workshop to be fitted with a more durable replacement. Loose documents such as newspapers are also sent out to be bound into volumes.

Protective packaging

Some works require special packaging for safe storage and use. The packaging is from material that is suitable for long-term storage and is generally standardised. In special cases, we also produce suitable packaging in-house.

Raising awareness

Preservation requirements also apply to use of the collections in the reading room, for exhibitions and during loans for home use. NL users are obliged to treat library items with care.

Disaster plan

When water or fire damage occurs, the NL must take emergency measures to preserve its collections. To ensure the items affected are made safe swiftly and effectively, we have put in place a disaster plan. The NL is the joint initiator and a partner of the Bern cultural institutions’ emergency network.

• More on this topic

  • Regulations on the Use of the Swiss National Library (NL)

    PDF376.32 kB1 May 2023

  Training: Bookbinding

  Loans for exhibitions