The role of the Conservation Laboratory of the National Library of Australia is discussed, with special attention given to the wide variety of its activities necessitated by the nature of the National Library's collections, which include paintings, photographs, motion picture film, etc., as well as paper materials. Work areas include the control and study of the environment, dating and authentication, examination of the condition of objects, chemical and physical treatment of materials, especially paper materials, documentation, quality control testing, information services, and shortterm training services. -- AATA