OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

I0. Collection Management Policy
Part C – Implementation Tools
234 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
The chambers are an essential element of the Display and Interpretation of OPH. They will continue
to have high use through public access and education programmes and in order to preserve the
chambers for as long as possible for these uses OPH will progress towards the removal of all commercial
functions in the Chambers. Particular aspects of the Chambers have unique requirements that must be
considered. These are:
a. Access to the chambers is only permitted when an OPH staff member or volunteer is available.
b. The front and side benches, once stable and covered with loose leather covers, will be made
available for public use (also see Section 9.3.1).
c. The Speaker’s, Vice-Regal, Consort’s and President’s chairs are to remain out-of-bounds
to the public.
d. Conservation/Preservation of the chambers - all possible means are to be considered in
interpretation eg. face-to-face discussions, provision of gloves to school parties, only
allowing one person per cushion, etc.
NB Minor colour deterioration in the upholstery is an accepted part of the history of the OPH building
and its contents, and so will therefore be acceptable for leather covers.
8.2.2 Associated collection
Display and Interpretation of items from the Associated collection will be
carried out in consultation with a Heritage staff member.
8.2.3 Research collection
Display and Interpretation of items from the Research collection will be
carried out in consultation with the Resource Centre Librarian.
8.3 Storage
OPH aims at all times to provide a clean and secure environment for the storage of each collection.
OPH will ensure that collection items are stored in the most appropriate location, taking into account factors
including value, level of environmental conditions required and the frequency with which an item is likely to
be accessed.
OPH will ensure that there is adequate space to safely store collection material as well as loans (including loan
accessories such as crates and packaging).
OPH will regularly review and monitor items in storage and make any changes as necessary.
8.4 Storage of electronic files
Due to the need to preserve collections and reduce handling of originals, OPH will ensure that adequate
resources are planned for the copying and storage of digital files and digital images, and the associated
electronic information and files.
OPH will constantly monitor and review current storage media with a view to ensuring the long-term preservation of
the files stored therein. This applies in particular to the digitised Oral History recordings which require significant
amounts of storage.
OPH will constantly monitor and review technological improvements which serve to improve the way electronic files
are managed and stored.
For master files OPH will implement migration strategies as applicable, which includes a bi-annual review of file
types in use, storage methods and storage media. For details of procedures relating to the creation, management
and storage of electronic files (be they copies of collection items, multimedia such as audio, or born-digital
material) see the accompanying Collection Management Procedures.
8.5 On-site vs. off-site storage
OPH will store collections on-site wherever possible, and will use off-site storage to alleviate short-term
storage issues.