Photographic preservation
Often the option to reformat an unstable photographic collection item to another medium is implemented. The reformatted or surrogate version then performs the role of the user copy. Where a photographic negative is produced this will be housed in archival conditions and form a preservation master version. These masters are then placed into archival enclosures and stored in climate controlled repositories.
Acetate negative -
the same image with the one on the right taken through a light box.
The State Library of Queensland's Image Production Unit reformats original photographic and printed material from our collections - preserving our pictorial history. Our expert photographic staff use the latest techniques to create photographic material to archival standard. We also have a high level of expertise in the scanning of images to accepted standards.
Other activities include:
- copying donated and loaned materials
- recording significant Queensland events for our collections
- visiting remote areas of the State and copying significant material
- digitising existing and new materials for Picture Queensland
Commercial photography services include:
- providing copies of State Library images from the John Oxley Library on request for purchase by the public. These can be made available in either photographic print or digital format.
- providing commercial photographic services to external clients, including digital retouching.
Our information guides include:
- Practical hints for the care of photographs
More information:
Last updated: 3rd June 2009
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
