Church Archives 101Church Archives 101

OrOrHow do I save my Church RecordsHow do I save my Church Records

Five Keys to Safe StorageFive Keys to Safe Storage

When storing documents in folders, segregate poor When storing documents in folders, segregate poor quality paper (newsprint) from good quality paper quality paper (newsprint) from good quality paper to avoid acid migration.to avoid acid migration.

Do not place too many documents in a single Do not place too many documents in a single folder.folder.

Place folders in archival storage boxesPlace folders in archival storage boxes Use spacers and dividers in partially filled boxes to Use spacers and dividers in partially filled boxes to

prevent sagging and keep folders upright.prevent sagging and keep folders upright. Always wear clean white cotton gloves when Always wear clean white cotton gloves when

handling documents.handling documents.

Guidelines for Storing Guidelines for Storing Almost AnythingAlmost Anything

Protecting your items involves more than simply Protecting your items involves more than simply placing your records in acid-free containers. Handle placing your records in acid-free containers. Handle textiles with care. Wash and dry hands often and textiles with care. Wash and dry hands often and thoroughly. Remove jewelry, don’t use hand lotions thoroughly. Remove jewelry, don’t use hand lotions and keep fingernails trimmed. Work on a clean flat and keep fingernails trimmed. Work on a clean flat surface. Place fragile items on a padded work surface. Place fragile items on a padded work surface. Objects should be housed separated so surface. Objects should be housed separated so they won’t come in contact with each other. Boxes they won’t come in contact with each other. Boxes should be clearly labeled on the outside of the box should be clearly labeled on the outside of the box as to its contents. For all object, provide a clean as to its contents. For all object, provide a clean stable environment with moderate temperature and stable environment with moderate temperature and RH, and minimum handling.RH, and minimum handling.

Which box style should I Which box style should I use?use? A drop front box make it easy to select and A drop front box make it easy to select and

remove individual photographs without disturbing remove individual photographs without disturbing the others.the others.

A clamshell box is designed to open flat for A clamshell box is designed to open flat for transferring items for from one side of the box to transferring items for from one side of the box to the other side.the other side.

A multipurpose box can store many type of A multipurpose box can store many type of artifacts and records. The deep lid fits snugly and artifacts and records. The deep lid fits snugly and protects against dust.protects against dust.

A shallow lid box fits snugly but is easier to A shallow lid box fits snugly but is easier to remove and is good for use when you will be remove and is good for use when you will be retrieving items often.retrieving items often.

How do I store my How do I store my newspaper and map newspaper and map collection?collection? Map and Newspaper should be stored Map and Newspaper should be stored

flat. Individual pieces should be place flat. Individual pieces should be place in folders or sleeves. Like size items in folders or sleeves. Like size items should be placed togethershould be placed together