Materials used in storage have to be carefully chosen. They not only need to suit your requirement, but must pose absolutely no risk for the collection you are responsible for. While all that might sound quite obvious, the sheer volume of information available means there is a lot to understand and implement.
The links below will take you to useful pages that will help determine the type of materials you should include in your store and also those that should be avoided at all costs. Many of these documents will also touch on issues of environmental control in relation to things such as humidity, light, dust, insects and other pollutants.
Fur further information on materials please see the documents available in our downloads section as below:
MLA Accreditation Standard - The Accreditation Scheme for Museums in the United Kingdom is a set, nationally agreed standard for museums in the UK. Basic requirements set out in the document must be met in order to achieve this standard.
Benchmarks in collection care - Benchmarks in Collection Care is a range of guidelines, standards and benchmarks developed to help in the assessment of preservation needs and collection care.
Guidelines for selecting materials for exhibit, storage and transportation - Detailing different materials and there properties in relation to the exhibiting, storage and transportation of artefacts.
Basic preservation guidelines for library and archive collections - A brief guide offering guidance and advice on the preservation of collections. It provides a starting point for those involved in the management of library and archive collections.
Building blocks for a preservation policy - An overview into what a preservation policy is, why one is needed and a checklist for writing one.
Caring for CD's and DVD's - General guidance on the preservation and storage of CD’s and DVD’s.
Cleaning books and documents - This leaflet offers basic guidance on dry cleaning methods for books and documents.
Conservation and preservation -This leaflet offers basic guidance on the conservation and preservation of archival material.
Glossary of terms commonly used in library preservation work - A glossary and explanation of the most common terms used in the preservation of library artefacts.
Good handling principles and practice for library and archive materials - Leaflet stressing the importance of good handling practice in libraries and archives.
Guidance for exhibiting archive and library materials - Guidance notes providing for the safe exhibition of archive and library materials.
Managing the digitisation of library, archive and museum materials - An introduction to the management of the digitisation process of library, archive and museum materials.
Managing the library and archive environment - Leaflet providing guidance on how temperature and relative humidity can affect library and archive collections.
Managing the preservation of library and archive collections in historic buildings - Guidance leaflet focusing on the environmental problems, affecting library and archive collections, that are common in historic buildings and how they can be tackled.
Photocopying of library and archive materials - Leaflet offering best practice in photocopying library and archive materials and what features make a photocopier book friendly.
Preservation of photographic material - Leaflet providing guidelines on the handling, storage and basic preservation of photographic material.
Prevention and treatment of mould outbreaks in collections - Leaflet offering advice on the prevention and treatment of mould outbreaks.
The National Archives -Guidance on Care, Handling and Storage of Removable Media -These guidance notes provide information on the care, handling and storage of removable media.
The National Archives -Caring for you Prints, Drawings and Watercolours -Leaflet offering advice and guidance on caring for your prints, drawings and watercolours.
The National Archives -Caring for your Photographs - Leaflet offering advice and guidance on the care and preservation of photographs.
The National Archives -Caring for your Books - Leaflet offering advice and guidance on the care and preservation of books.
Understanding and caring for bookbindings - Leaflet providing basic information on binding materials and structures.
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