Library storage facilities redesign & refurbishment at BFI National Archive Conservation Centre

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This proposal concerns an application for funding to develop the British Film Institute's (BFI) creative research capability (CResCa) through renewal and upgrade of our existing library facilities. We are proposing the refurbishment and enhancement of the multi-purpose collection vault at the J Paul Getty Jnr Conservation Centre in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire and this application falls under Strand one of the advertised funding, "replacement and upgrade of equipment". The BFI's moving image and paper based collections are of significant importance to the global, and especially UK, academic community, enabling creative research into all aspects of film and filmmaking. In recent years we have seen the increased interest from the community of film practitioners, which has led to some exciting practice-led research projects, including creative reuse of archive material for non-commercial use by emerging filmmakers. However, development of the collections in the last ten years, in line with modern collecting practices and internal priorities, has led to serious storage space challenges that can endanger their future physical safety. This proposal aims to ensure the safe storage of the existing BFI's library collections as well as to increase capacity for future growth. To cement the vital role the BFI plays in the UK academic and practitioners communities as a facilitator and driver of creative research, we also need to provide better access to the collections. The new shelving that will be installed during the project will fulfil both these objectives, by providing more storage space as well as enabling the BFI staff to carry out research in situ and reducing waiting times for the Library users.The project's outputs will include adding 351 linear metres of new shelving and the installation of 20 multifunctional shelving units (for storing different types of material side by side and enabling in-situ research). All existing library material will be removed from the current storage, secured in crates and relocated to offsite storage ahead of the refurbishment taking place, then reinstalled once the project is completed. Through robust BFI procurement practices we will appoint two contractors to work collaboratively on the project, ensuring the safety of the collection is their paramount concern at all times. The project will be regularly monitored by an internal steering group created for the purpose of ensuring timely delivery and high quality results. The successful completion of this project will strengthen the BFI's position as the leading body in the preservation and promotion of film, television and the moving image in the UK. Our unique collections will be appropriately stored and preserved for future generations of researches, including filmmakers involved in practice-led research, both in the educational setting and in the community.