Collection Management. Owners/managers must first inventory their collections in order to identify quantity of each type of item and to observe their condition. You must establish a system for filing and cataloging that will ensure both secure storage and easy access. If you can't find something, you can't use it, but if items are used too often, body oil, dirt, and other particles will cause faster deterioration. Archivists and curators must weigh these factors, along with the costs involved in preservation, in determining what to preserve and to what degree.

Storage Area. Identify a storage area where your items will be stored. As a minimum, these conditions should be met:

*low temperatures (not over 70 degrees)
*avoidance of heat, either direct (sun) or indirect (heaters)
*little or no humidity (30-50%)
*no air pollution
*no fungus, mold, or mildew
*no insects or rodents
*no water (i.e. pipes)
*no paint, varnish, or chemicals in the area
*fire protection is available

Periodically inspect the collection to detect deterioration or problems as early as possible and correct them.

Enclosures and Storage Materials. Use:
*acid-free paper and storage envelopes or negatives/film
*acid-free cellulose acetate sleeves
*acid-free folders, interleaves, wrapping paper, albums

Don’t use:
*glue, staples, paper clips (they can deteriorate or rust)
*newspapers (copy these onto acid-free paper)

Recommended Library Resource:
Conservation of Photographs. Kodak, 1985. REF TR465 .E14 1985

Suggested Archival Resources:
Century Photo Products 
Gaylord
Hollinger Corporation
Light Impressions
University Products