| dc.description.abstract | This research addresses the preservation of UFSM s documental heritage,
which is stored on the collection of the General Archive Department (Departamento
de Arquivo Geral (DAG)), and aims at contributing for the permanent safeguard of
these documents by means of the adoption of a Manual of Preservation of
Documents. We also consider the risks the professionals of the archive face by
having direct contact with the documents, because exposure to some types of fungi
can trigger damages to health, seriously affecting their life quality. It is an applied
research, of qualitative approach, which aims at developing knowledge that enables
comprehension and transformation of reality regarding the topic. The work has been
structured into four phases: the first phase consists of data collection by means of a
diagnosis of the collection situation. The diagnosis was carried out based on direct
observation, and, with the obtained data, it was possible to detect the needs for a
better preservation of the documental collection under custody of DAG. At this phase,
we could identify the need to implement the Manual, and the need of applying the
measurements which would prevent the deterioration of UFSM s documental
heritage. On the second phase, the monitoring of temperature and humidity was
carried out, resulting in graphs which indicate great climate variation in the
documents storing rooms. Thus, actions should be applied for the use of equipments
which ensure effective climate control, preventing damage to the documents. For the
verification of the presence of fungi in the collection, different species were found,
both in the documents which form the collection, as in the documents recoiled to
DAG. Implementation of hygiene procedures is vital in the documentation. In face of
the biological risks, we have tried to analyze the damages to the health of the
professionals which work at the archive. This resulted in identification of allergic
reactions, which, although not grave, compromise the life quality of the professionals
in the long term. Thus, the use of personal protective equipment is indispensable for
handling the documents of the collection. The research showed that much has
already been done by DAG to protect the collection. However, only through study
and concrete knowledge of the main measures that must be adopted it was possible
to organize such measures, which, systematically gathered through the Manual of
Preservation of Documents, will proportionate a better safeguarding of the
Documental Heritage of UFSM. | |
