Preserving Memories and Masterpieces

Your treasured books, papers, photographs, audio recordings, videos, and digital media get damaged when adverse conditions cause unwanted chemical reactions.

Moisture catalyzes reactions.
Heat and light accelerate reactions.
Dust and pollution contribute to deterioration.

Resulting damage includes:

yellowing
cracking
fading
wrinkling
data corruption
breakage

Preventing Damage

Handle objects with clean hands to avoid stains.

Keep food away. Crumbs and spills attract pests.
Take care to not bend or crease.
Migrate digital formats before they become obsolete.

No tape, Post-its, paper clips, or elastics.

Organize your papers and photographs in archival paper folders or clear, poly sleeves.

Avoid lamination or magnetic pages.
Place albums and fragile items in custom-fit boxes.
Use meaningful metadata to identify digital files.

Store your collection in a cool, dry place, such as an air-conditioned room.

High humidity encourages pests and mold: check for bugs, rodents, and damp, and eliminate them.
Protect from light and dust using preservation-quality folders and boxes.
Store digital files on multiple media including the cloud.

Connect with more information and expert advice:

American Institute for Conservation
Harvard Library Preservation Services