3.4 Preservation 3.4.1 Archivists encourage the preservation of records in appropriate repositories and make reasonable efforts to ensure the preservation of archival materials that appear to be at risk through neglect, threat of destruction or any other cause. 3.4.2 Archivists endeavour to provide facilities which will ensure the physical safety of records in their custody. They are especially vigilant respecting the most common causes of damage to records in all media, namely fire, excessive light or heat, damp, dryness, dirt and insect or other vermin attack. Integrity of materials 3.5.1 Archivists preserve, protect and maintain the integrity of the records in their control and the information contained therein. 3.5.2 Archivists safeguard the records in their care against willful or accidental damage, defacement alteration or theft.
Archivists respect the organic unity and structure of records.
They discourage dispersal of records groups, series or collections except when compelled by administrative or other circumstances beyond their control. 3.5.4 Archivists ensure that neither the records in custody nor their value as evidence are impaired by conservation measures, re-arrangement, use, copying or in any other way. 3.6 Access 3.6.1 Archivists ensure that anyone entitled to use their services or consult the records in their care may do so without discrimination or preferential treatment, subject to any restrictions in terms of clauses 3.6.2 and 3.6.3. Archivists observe any restrictions on access to records in their care imposed by legislation, administrative or executive decision, or by owners or donors of the records. They explain pertinent restrictions to potential users and apply them equitably.