Lighting in archivistic collections

the case of a Public Archive in João Pessoa

Abstract

The present paper aims to investigate the type of lighting that is used in a given Public Archive in the city of João Pessoa - PB, seeking to reflect on the preservation of archival collections through a luminotechnical plan. The research is characterized as descriptive and bibliographic. The structured interview was used as an instrument of data collection with the professional responsible for the archive, seeking to highlight the situation in which the lighting was found and the effects they caused to the collection, using the qualitative approach for data analysis. The results reveal that the professional of the archive has a superficial knowledge of the recommendations and appropriate standards for adequate lighting on the collection, considering that there are some problems with lighting that do not comply with the standards and due care to ensure maintenance and protection the collection, and that lighting, among other measures, is considered important to increase the useful life of documents and make the environment more harmonious, comfortable and functional for those who work and visit the archive. It is concluded that the lamps used in the Public Archive are 40W fluorescent lamps and their distribution is not adequate. Moreover, a lighting project would be the most appropriate to solve the flaws found, with a periodic maintenance plan to maintain a good functioning of the files and that the types of lamps and luminaires is used so that there is a better distribution of luminosity, aiming at a better use of space / environment, also taking into account that the choice of these devices influences the conservation of the documents.