Collection Storage Tips and Tricks
#reorgtips
All around the world, collections in storage are at risk. RE-ORG International is an initiative to assist small museums, libraries and archives reorganize their collections in storage for better access and long-term conservation. Without proper storage, we stand to lose significant vestiges of our memory, identity and our past. RE-ORG encourages the reuse and re-purposing of existing equipment and space. Ideas are out there; sometimes all you need is a little inspiration.
If you work with collections show us your tips and tricks!
Storing collections is not a simple task, and you know first-hand the challenge of having to strike a balance between conservation, institutional and financial concerns. Storage solutions must adapt to the needs of the object but at the same time optimize space usage and costs.
The good news is that it is often possible to repurpose or adapt already-existing equipment or materials, making sensible use of resources.
Many museums – through the years and at present – have found tonnes of inventive solutions, and ICCROM and the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) want to hear about all of them. Be part of a global solution!
Send us one or two photos of your storage solution with a short descriptive sentence that tells us:
- The type of object
- The materials used or re-used to create your storage solution
- Why this system is better than before
There are several options for sharing your photos:
- On the RE-ORG International Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/reorgstorage
- On Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #reorgtips
- By email : reorgstorage (at) gmail (dot) com
You have until 31 January 2016 to send us your submission. The results will be posted on a Tumblr blog and hosted on the ICCROM website.
Important notice: By sending your images, you acknowledge that they are yours and that you have the permission to send them, but that you’re willing share them under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence.
Here are some examples:
“We adapted a shelving unit to store our collection of oars and spears. We are able to use up less shelf space than before. We’ve gained more room for other objects.”
“We re-used large wooden crates. We fixed secured chains on the crates to hang the masks. Now they are off the floor, so we will no longer risk stepping on them.”
“We created compartments in a box with cardboard folded in zigzags. Now we can take each pen easily. Also, they don’t rub against each other.”