Relevant British Standards are cited, and advice on the establishment of priorities and programmes for the conservation of photographs is provided. Environmental hazards, mounting, storage and good ‘housekeeping’ practices are described.

The specific properties of film, video recordings, audiotapes, cassettes and discs are described, and attention is drawn to problems and hazards. Methods of storage, cleaning, use and long term preservation are recommended, and environmental factors are considered.

The basic structure of the codex book is described. The problems of large format and heavy volumes are discussed, and storage recommendations made. Inadequate adhesive bindings are analysed and a technique (double fan) is recommended. The need for, use and construction of protective containers is briefly examined. A method for securing loosely tipped-in plates is described, but tackling in-house repairs is discouraged.

The nature of much material in the art library poses problems of security. Types of material at risk are discussed. Solutions to security are considered: closed access, electronic security devices, owner identification and provision of good photocopying facilities. Efficient library administration (including regular stock checking and enforcing of sanctions) is essential. Planning the library for security is considered. Security is an expensive but important responsibility of the art librarian.

The first part of this two-part article reporting on visits made by the author to art libraries in West Germany in September 1979, concentrates on the Kunstbibliothek and the Museumsbibliothek der Staatlichen Museen Preussischer Kulturbesitz in Berlin, the Bibliothek des Germanischen Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg, and the Kunst- und Museumsbibliothek der Stadt Köln. The scope and organisation of these libraries is described and general topics such as the exchange of publications between museums, and co-operation between libraries are raised. (To be concluded in the next issue).