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.