October is American Archives Month and we are celebrating with a special collections-related blog post each week!

A common archival format most people have is photographs (print and digital).  

Here are some basic tips for preserving your print images:

  • Focus on storage conditions. This includes using acid-free paper or archival polyester sleeves to enclose your images and acid-free boxes to store them.
  • Avoid magnetic albums (sticky pages), adhesives, etc. Also, be sure to store images in boxes upright so that they don't slump or curve. 
  • The environment should be clean and kept at a stable temperature - usually around 68-70 degrees - and avoid high humidity and areas prone to pests, dirt, leaks, and floods (i.e. attics, basements, garages, storage units, etc.) 
  • Be aware of light damage risks and use copies of important photos for display. 
  • Handle prints with clean, dry hands or wear nitrile gloves (not cotton) and try to avoid touching the emulsion side of prints. 
  • Always avoid fasteners such as tape, rubber bands, paper clips, etc. 
  • Label sleeves of photographs and never write on the center back of an image.

For more specific preservation advice, feel free to book a preservation consultation with Special Collections staff.