B.V.I. Tuesday, April 28 – The Virgin Islands (UK) will again join the Association of American Archivists in observing Records May Day on May 1.

Records May Day is recognised as the day when everyone, whether in office or at home can do something however simple to protect records.

This year the Archives and Records Management Unit is especially highlighting how to protect photographs from damage. In association with the Northeast Document Conservation Center, special guidance will be given to photographers and other interested persons.

Other activities will include an open house at the Archives and Records Management Unit aimed at encouraging people to protect important records in their possession.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Archives and Records Management Unit in the Burhym Building on Wickhams Cay I on Friday, May 1, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Visitors will be able to see a video on records management and will receive one complimentary acid-free box in which to store fragile records.

Chief Records Management Officer Mrs. Verna Penn Moll told the Department of Information and Public Relations that Acid-free boxes protect records from exposure to light and air, which cause paper to breakdown.

She added that, “Paper becomes brown, brittle and crumbly when it comes in contact with the damaging agents in light and air. Records stored in acid-free boxes can last for hundreds of years. Officials will also use the day to highlight records preservation tips through local radio and newspapers and give government records officers’ hints and ideas for records protection. “

The local observance follows on the heels of the activities for Records and Information Management month in April. These included a photographs’ exhibition by local photographers, ongoing till 8th May and the official launching of the Virgin Islands Archives and Records Management Unit’s website.

For more information about the Virgin Islands Archives and Records Management Unit, please visit its very own website at: www.nationalarchives.gov.vg  and the Deputy Governor’s Office website at www.dgo.gov.vg.