Gold Dust - first free publication available through National Heritage Science Forum grant

The first Gold Open Access publication to be fully funded through the NHSF's Gold Open Access grant is now available online.

The research paper, titled "The effectiveness of dust mitigation and cleaning strategies at The National Archives, UK," discusses current preventive conservation and cleaning practices at the National Archives. Authored by Dr Helen Wilson and Sarah VanSnick, it is published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage and is available here.

NHSF is delighted to be supporting open access to heritage science research. The Forum seeks to maximise the impact and public benefit of heritage science by increasing the visibility of current research within and outside of the heritage sector.

NHSF Chairman, Alastair McCapra said: "Enabling immediate online access, the NHSF ensure the results of heritage science research can be used more fully for the benefit of society and the economy. It is fantastic to be able to share the findings of an organisation at the forefront of heritage science research both quickly and widely, so that it can inform the work of archives and libraries everywhere."

Sarah VanSnick, Senior Conservation Manager at The National Archives said: "This research had some very practical outcomes and direct application to conservation practice. We hope it will support those in the archive and library sector advocating for preventive measures or wanting to improve them."

Sarah VanSnick, Senior Conservation Manager at The National Archives, and Conservation Scientist Helen Wilson hold an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to identify inks and pigments to help them find the best treatment solution to clean and reconstruct this map, from a series of Chancery Master Exhibits from the 15th-18th centuries, relating to Little Clacton in Essex.

The Gold Open Access Grant, available to employees and members of NHSF member organisations, aims to support the delivery of the National Heritage Science Strategy by enabling full access to current research free of charge, to everyone, immediately on publication.

Read the NHSF and TNA press release about the publication

Find out how to apply for an NHSF grant for Gold Open Access publication