One of the problems with photos and documents is they
deteriorate over time, and that’s why we digitise and scan as this captures the
image/document in its current state. I often get asked how to deal with storing
the family documents and photographs.
It is best to avoid touching negatives, slides and photos
with your fingers unless you handle them with tweezers or cotton gloves or round their edges as
the oil from your fingers can damage these images.
Good old black photograph albums are not a bad start, at least they keep the photos out of the light. Ideally though it is best to use properly designed storage containers made from materials that will not react with your images further. Some images and documents require neutral pH others require calcium buffered containers, so it is best to seek advice about the specific requirements for your images and documents. Google is your friend for finding out the most up to date information and advice for storing your images.
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| Negatives stored in purpose designed archival pages |
Port Nicholson Packaging in Petone Wellington who stock the Australian archival Museum storage systems
http://www.pnp.co.nz/
or Conservation Supplies
http://www.conservationsupplies.co.nz/
Both these places have excellent information about the materials they have on offer on their websites and offer online ordering and delivery.
The National Library has information about storing family collections including documents and photo's.
http://natlib.govt.nz/collections/caring-for-your-collections/photographs
There is also information in this handy pdf produced by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
http://www.conservation-us.org/_data/n_0001/resources/live/photographs.pdf
http://natlib.govt.nz/collections/caring-for-your-collections/photographs
There is also information in this handy pdf produced by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Copyright Carterworks NZ
