The preparation of a disaster plan for the National Archives of Malta

Abstract

The National Archives of Malta is the nation’s main memory institution. The National Archives faces many challenges. Most of these challenges are derived from the fact that the building which houses the archive was built hundreds of years ago to serve a totally different purpose from that of an archive. Unlike libraries, an archive preserves original records which are unique and irreplaceable. Considering the risk factors which can seriously damage the archive’s collections, the preservation of the collections for future generations is not an easy task at all. This study identifies the risk factors and proposes a disaster plan both to avoid disasters and to have the archive prepared to react quickly and correctly in case of a disaster strike. It also discusses the two possibilities available for the archive: restoration of the present building or opting for a new, purposely build premises.