Working in Special Collections is a joy, but it is not without its terrors. The persistent challenge of preserving collections for long-term access requires vigilance, patience, and a willingness to laugh in the face of entropy. Presented here is a sampling of some of the nightmares that keep archivists and curators up at night.
While you are about to witness scary sights, please bear in mind that archivists and curators have many solutions and practices to prevent and/or correct the issues presented. Before heading into the hall of horrors, take stock of some of the tools that are used in the stacks to safeguard staff, patrons, and collections.
Shane MacDonald
Cotton glove
Worn when handling metallic, photographic, or dangerous objects. Typically, one does not need to wear them while handling books or paper materials. Gloves can dull the senses of the fingers, risking excess pressure being applied to a paper item. Clean, washed hands are best for paper materials.
Acid-free box
Specially designed storage containers that provide long-term preservation and environmental protection to archival records. They avoid acidic leakage onto records and can offer an initial picture against water leaks and insects.
Hygrometer/thermometer
Used to track humidity and temperature levels in storage spaces.
Light Meter
Used to measure light intensity and distribution in spaces to minimize light damage.
Disaster Response Wheel
Handy guide to planning for disaster responses. Every archives needs to have a disaster plan - one that outlines key roles for staff, key strategies during the disaster, and key recovery steps after the situation calms down.