14th Annual Preservation Conference
(March 1999)Conference Topic: Alternative Archival Facilities
Held on March 25, 1999,
at the National Archives Building
700
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
NARA's Annual Preservation Conferences cover topics on the creation, use, exhibition, care and handling, duplication, and long term storage of information on paper, film, tape, and disk.
The 1999 topic, Alternative Archival Facilities, covered underground storage; cold storage vaults; conventional freezers; adapted space, such as upgraded rooms or storage areas not originally intended for archival storage; and specially built, high-density depository structures where the material is stacked very high, expected retrieval is infrequent, and the building is so well insulated that little air conditioning is necessary. There are special challenges associated with each of these alternatives. For example, How does water drain from an underground room? What are the risks of fire and fire suppression in caves and high density storage areas?
The following conference papers -- available where a link is present -- include standards, hints, tips, and models on how to utilize alternative space for the storage of archival and library materials.
Overview of Alternative Space Options for Libraries and Archives- by Paul Banks, Consultant
- A survey of current alternative space utilization for archival and library materials.
- by Richard Judson, Engineer, NARA Space and Security Management
- A review of NARA's new standards for Permanent Records Storage and Presidential Libraries.
- by Doris A. Hamburg, Head, Preventive Conservation, LC
- by Steven J. Herman, Chief, Collections Management, LC
- Development and assessment of the preservation and access considerations for storing library materials in a high-density, cool temperature depository.
- by Steven J. Herman, Chief, Collections Management, LC
- by Tom Benjamin, Vice President - Business Development, National
Underground Storage, Inc.
- An examination of the opportunities and challenges of keeping paper, film, and magnetic media in underground facilities.
- Ernest Conrad, P.E., President, Landmark Facilities Group
- How small institutions can achieve proper environmental conditions for the storage of documents and books.
- by Robin Siegel, Conservator, National Geographic Society
- A case study of a contractor-built cold storage vault within an existing structure.
- by Mark McCormick-Goodhart, Vice President, Old Town Editions,
Inc.
- A presentation of innovative techniques utilizing microclimate packages and the sealed cabinet approach.
- by Tom Goonan, President, Tom Goonan Associates
- Warnings regarding the use of space not originally designed for the storage of archival and library materials.
The March 28, 2000, 15th Annual Preservation Conference, is on the topic Deacidification Reconsidered.