3. ARCHIVAL ENVIRONMENTS

Considerations and Rationale:

The SAA notes that  environmental factors and conditions have the propensity to assist in the deterioration of archive records if not maintained correctly. Factors such as heat, humidity, harmful particulates and fumes, and frequency of handling of these records (SAA, 2009, p.31)  are all factors that  can contribute to the shortening the lifespan of the record.   Exposing records  to proper and optimum environmental conditions therefore, can ensure protection of these records from various chemical, biological, and physical substances (SAA, 2009, p.31) that can cause irreversible damage.


GUIDELINES:    The following chart presents SAA’s recommended environmental factors for archives. Please note that, in addition to providing information  regarding environmental control of archive records, specific rooms within archive facilities, (such as staff and lunchrooms) are also included in this chart . Source of Chart: SAA, 2009, pp.36-37).

An archive facility that lacks proper environmental storage conditions can deteriorate archival records. Some records can become moldy or destroyed as a result of being exposed to too much humidity or other undesirable temperatures depending on the record.
Space TypeSpace NameTemperature Relative Humidity MERV FiltrationDust FiltrationNotes
Archive StacksCold Storage50 degrees Fahrenheit30%18HEPA + Gaslimited access
Paper Records 60 degrees Fahrenheit30-50%17HEPA + Gasactive storage
FilmsTemperatures for storage depends on the type of film. Typical ranges are from 27 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest (for films such as color photographic paper prints) to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at the highest (for Films such as Glass Plates). Ranges from 30%-50% depending on the type of film. 17HEPA + GasN/A
Electronic RecordsTypical range is 50 degrees Fahrenheit 50%17HEPA + Gasno magnetic fields
Mixed Use Storage Processing Rooms65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-50%1490%N/A
Laboratory-Dry65-75 degrees Fahrenheit 30%-55%1490%30 day max
Laboratory-Wet65-75 degrees Fahrenheit 30%-55%1490%30 day max
Reformatting65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-55%1490%scanning and microfilm
Laboratory Supplies Storage65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-55%1260%-80%N/A
Exhibit68-72 degrees Fahrenheit60%-80%1260%-80%90 day limit
Reading RoomsTextual68-72 degrees Fahrenheit30%-55%1490%Occupied
Microfilm65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-45%1490%N/A
Audiovisual65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-45%1490 %N/A
Records Holding65-75 degrees Fahrenheit30%-45%1490%30 day limit for records
OtherLobby65-75 degrees Fahrenheitn/a1030%-60%buffer space/vestibule
Smoking RoomsN/AN/AN/AN/Aprohibited
Loading Dock50 degrees FahrenheitN/AN/AN/Anegative pressure
Receiving and Isolation65-75 degrees Fahrenheit 30%-55%830%negative pressure
Auditorium/Training/Meeting Rooms68-75 degrees FahrenheitN/A830%N/A
Food Service/Lunchroom68-75 degrees FahrenheitN/A860%-80%negative Pressure
Computer Room 68-75 degrees Fahrenheit N/A1260%-80%N/A
Staff Spaces68-75 degrees FahrenheitN/A1260%-80%N/A