Archival Storage

Archival Storage

Definition: Archival storage refers to the use of materials, supplies, and methods that meet or exceed preservation standards for the long-term housing of documents, artwork, photographs, textiles, and other valuable cultural or historical objects. The goal of archival storage is to ensure that items remain stable, safe, and accessible for future generations.

Key Characteristics

• Chemically stable materials: Acid-free, lignin-free, and buffered products prevent deterioration caused by acids or environmental pollutants.
• Protective enclosures: Boxes, folders, sleeves, and cases provide physical and chemical barriers against light, dust, insects, and handling damage.
• Environmental compatibility: Designed for use in controlled climates with proper relative humidity and temperature levels.
• Transparency of materials: Some enclosures use glassine, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene for safe viewing without direct handling.

Examples of Archival Storage Materials

• Archival boxes: Made from blue board or other acid-free board, these provide sturdy housing for books, documents, or artwork.
• Protective sleeves: Transparent, inert sleeves made of polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene that protect photographs, negatives, or fragile papers.
• Folders and envelopes: Acid-free paper or buffered enclosures that separate and support delicate documents.
• Glassine sheets: Smooth, translucent paper often used for interleaving between works on paper or photographs.
• Clamshell cases: Rigid archival boxes for storing rare books, manuscripts, or collections of photographs.

Environmental Considerations

• Climate control: Archival storage requires stable climate control, ideally between 65-70°F (18-21°C) with 30-50% relative humidity.
• Light control: Minimize exposure to UV and visible light to prevent fading and material degradation.
• Pollutant control: Use enclosures that block airborne pollutants, dust, and particulates.
• Pest prevention: Ensure storage areas are free from insects and rodents that could damage organic materials.

Applications

• Libraries and archives: Storage of manuscripts, maps, photographs, and rare books.
• Museums: Preservation of works on paper, textiles, and cultural artifacts not currently on display.
• Personal collections: Safeguarding family photographs, letters, and heirlooms.
• Fine art storage: Professional facilities that house paintings, prints, and sculptures in climate-controlled environments.

Best Practices for Archival Storage

• Always use certified archival-quality boxes, sleeves, and folders.
• Maintain consistent environmental conditions to avoid fluctuations that accelerate degradation.
• Store items flat when possible to avoid stress and warping.
• Avoid adhesives, pressure-sensitive tapes, and PVC plastics in storage environments.
• Use interleaving sheets, such as acid-free tissue or glassine, to prevent direct contact between stored objects.

Common Misconceptions

• "Any box is archival." Ordinary cardboard boxes are acidic and can cause severe damage over time; only certified acid-free boxes qualify as archival.
• "Archival storage eliminates the need for climate control." Even the best enclosures cannot fully protect items from poor environmental conditions.
• "Plastic bags are safe for storage." Only specific inert plastics (polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene) are archival; PVC and unknown plastics can off-gas and deteriorate contents.

Related Terms

• Climate Control
• Relative Humidity
• Blue Board
• Glassine