Our Work
Preservation brings together the care of materials, clear documentation and the knowledge needed to look after them over time.
Start with the collection
Understand what needs care.
We consider a collection’s condition, how it is stored and handled, its history, and the priorities of the people responsible for it. This helps us decide what needs attention first and how the work should be carried out.
Conservation, digitisation and documentation serve different purposes. We bring them together according to the needs of the material.
Our areas of work
Collection assessments and preservation planning
We assess condition, storage and handling risks, then identify priorities for care. A preservation plan helps a collection owner decide what to address first and what resources are needed.
Conservation
We examine archival materials and consider appropriate care or treatment. The aim is to address damage and deterioration while retaining the material and the evidence it carries.
Storage and protective housing
We advise on folders, boxes and other enclosures, storage arrangements, handling and conditions that affect the life of a collection.
Documentation and collections management
We organise and describe materials so that records can be identified and understood. Names, dates, places, creators and collection histories are part of that work.
Digitisation
We create digital copies of archival materials, with attention to preparation, capture, file organisation and the information needed to connect each copy to its source.
Audiovisual preservation
We assess sound and moving-image collections, identify formats and priorities, and plan preservation work according to their condition and requirements.
Digital preservation planning
We help collection owners plan how digital records will be named, described, stored, backed up and cared for, with clear responsibilities for their continuing management.
Training
We teach practical approaches to handling, storage, documentation, digitisation preparation and digital care. Training is shaped around the collection and the people responsible for it.
Archives emergency response
We assess damaged archives and help establish priorities for recovery and further care. Our response is guided by the materials affected and the circumstances of the damage.
Preservation in practice
Family Archives, Archives Emergency Response and Borkor bring these areas of work into the lives of families, communities and collection holders.
Explore our initiativesCommission a service
Alongside our institutional work, Awo offers paid services for people and organisations seeking help with their own archives.
View commercial services