Storage for Paper-Based Collections:

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.