Caring for paper-based collections doesn’t have to be complicated.

This free, practical preservation brief offers clear, step-by-step guidance for safely storing documents, photographs, books, and other paper materials—especially in personal collections and small museums, libraries, and archives. Using a simple decision guide, it helps you choose storage methods based on what you have and what your collections need, with no specialized training required.

You’ll learn how to:

• Decide when to store materials flat, upright, or rolled

• Safely house oversized documents, photographs, and bound materials

• Use folders, sleeves, and boxes to reduce handling and damage

• Organize collections so they’re easier to access and care for

• Make meaningful improvements even with limited space, staff, or supplies

Designed for collectors, volunteers, and small teams, this brief focuses on practical solutions that reduce risk and improve long-term care—showing how simple storage choices can make a big difference for paper-based collections.

This practical preservation brief explains how reduced temperatures can dramatically slow deterioration in photographs and film, extending their usable life and buying time for long-term planning and reformatting. Written for small and mid-sized museums, libraries, and archives, it breaks down cold storage into clear, achievable steps that can be implemented with commonly available equipment.

Big preservation impact doesn’t require a big budget.

This free, practical guide introduces simple, proven steps to care for collections in small museums, libraries, and archives. Using a “Good, Better, Best” framework, it breaks down preventive conservation into clear, achievable actions—no specialized training or costly equipment required.

From handling and storage to environmental care, housekeeping, and emergency planning, you’ll learn how to:

• Build consistent collections care practices with limited staff or volunteers

• Improve storage and environmental conditions using what you already have

• Prevent pest, mold, and water damage through simple maintenance routines

• Prepare for emergencies with quick-reference plans and supply kits

Designed for busy teams and community stewards, this brief shows how small, steady improvements can make a lasting difference for your collections—one practical step at a time.

Not all environmental data are created equal—especially when time and resources are limited.

This free, practical guide walks you through the Environmental Monitoring Cycle, a simple framework for collecting and using environmental data more effectively. From setting clear goals to interpreting results, this brief shows how to make monitoring meaningful—without getting lost in spreadsheets.

Whether you’re caring for a museum, library, archive, or historic site, you’ll learn:

• How to set achievable goals that align monitoring with preservation priorities

• What to measure—and why temperature, humidity, and dew point matter most

• Tips for choosing and placing dataloggers to get useful, reliable results

• How to turn raw data into clear insights that inform real-world decisions

Includes a step-by-step example scenario, practical tips for saving time and money, and recommended tools to help you make confident, evidence-based improvements to your collection environments.

Not all water emergencies can be handled the same way—especially when mold can take hold in less than 48 hours.

This free, practical guide walks you through the essentials of freezing wet collections to stabilize them safely. From choosing the right freezer to packing techniques, this brief helps you act quickly—without making costly mistakes.

Whether you’re caring for a museum, library, archive, or private collection, you’ll learn:

• Which materials are safe to freeze (and which are not)

• How to sort, rinse, and pack collections for freezing

• Tips for monitoring freezer conditions and avoiding damage

• Best practices for thawing, drying, and vendor support

Includes quick-reference key takeaways, a “to freeze or not to freeze” sidebar, and vendor guidance to help you prepare before disaster strikes.

Not sure what kind of vacuum is safe for your collection? This free resource breaks it down—HEPA filters, suction control, attachments, and more—so you can clean with confidence (and without overspending).

• Key features to look for

• Brush recommendations

• Trusted brands at every budget

Learn more about our preventive cleaning services and housekeeping workshops