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The ARA annual conference is the only multi-day event that deals specifically with the conservation and preservation of archives and remains a very significant event in the conservator’s calendar. It is the foremost opportunity for training and personal development in the year and with three days of concentrated, focussed sessions it is great value to attend. The title this year, ‘Challenges, obligations or imperatives?’ is sufficiently broad to encompass the wide range of topics that are current in the conservation world today. There is such a variety that it is a challenge to know where to begin to tell of the wonders that await. After the keynote, Wednesday begins with the sessions on how to deal with large collections, the problems of prioritisation and the difficulties in conserving a large map collection. It will be good to hear the eminent speakers from the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland. This should encourage plenty of discussion on the dilemma of continuing to care for our collections within tight budget. Flavio Marzo from the British Library will address the evolving role of book conservation in relation to a collaborative and cross sector working project for the Qatar Foundation to produce 500,000 images from Arabic manuscripts. Richard Nicols, conservator at Staffordshire Archives will speak about the conservation of an early psalter with a detailed talk about the structure and conservation of the early binding. The problems of repair to documents written in iron gall ink will be tackled by Eliza Jacobi from the Restauratie Nijhoff Asser (RNA) Amsterdam. I am very much looking forward to learning from the experts, bringing back new information to be used in my everyday work and returning newly inspired. Professor Matthew Collins, University of York will broach the thorny subject of the destructive analysis of parchment .Dr David Mills, Queen Mary University will explain how hidden text can be revealed with modern x ray techniques. Both these distinguished scientists are expanding existing knowledge of the physical materials in our archives. After a long day one, crammed with relevant talks we can relax in the salubrious surroundings of the Royal College of Physicians for a drinks reception. Take a look at the extensive programme for the conservation stream and you will see that Thursday and Friday bring more high quality talks dealing with complex practicalities that we face every day. There is really so much on offer that it would take too long to relate. It would be a shame to miss it. Keep up your CPD and register online not forgetting to encourage colleagues to do likewise. The latest conference programme and booking details are available at http://www.archives.org.uk/ara-in-action/the-ara-conference.html Mark Allen To view the list archives go to: https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=RECORDS-MANAGEMENT-UK To unsubscribe from this list, send an email to [log in to unmask] with the words UNSUBSCRIBE RECORDS-MANAGEMENT-UK For any technical queries re JISC please email [log in to unmask] For any content based queries, please email [log in to unmask]