Heat, humidity, and light are the three greatest enemies to the longevity of any record. Whether the record is paper, photographic, cloth, or magnetic, the two most damaging areas to store records in the average home are the attic, which often has extremes in temperatures depending on the season, and the basement, which is often damp. Sunlight, or any light source, can damage your records in a relatively short period of time. If your records are stored in a dark environment with a constant temperature and relative humidity, chances are they will last far longer than if stored in an environment that experiences extremes in temperature and humidity.

Framed or mounted objects -- photographs, certificates, paintings, posters, needlework -- the object should never be hung so it has direct exposure to sunlight or any intense lighting source. An indirect lighting source or a shield from exposure to ultraviolet radiation should lessen the speed with which the object fades. The backing boards or material behind the object should be of archivial quality (acid and lignin free) so there won't be a bleed-through from the backing material that will damage the object. The framed object should never be hung from a single wire or hook but always from two points. Screws and nails can come loose, and if your object is supported from only one point, the object may be severely damaged when it crashes to the floor. Smoky or dusty environments will also damage the object over time; however, the framed object should never be in direct contact with a glass or plexiglass front. An airspace should be created between the object and the glass, otherwise it may adhere to the glass and be difficult, if not impossible, to remove without damaging the object.

Phonographic records (LP's, 45's, 78's) should be stored upright and supported to prevent warping. Compact discs, as well as other optical discs and computer discs, should be stored upright, in rigid plastic containers. Shelves should be wide enough so discs do not overhang, and the shelving should be grounded.

Photographs, negatives, slides, and motion picture film: Black and white photographs, slides, and negatives, if properly processed and stored, will last centuries. Color images are much more sensitive to light, heat, and relative humidity. In fact, the images will generally last longest if stored in a refrigerator in moisture-proof packaging! However, photographs will last for years in an area that is well-ventilated, dark, where the temperature is fairly constant between 60-70 F, and with a stable humidity range between 20% and 40%.

If you store your precious photographs in an album, be aware of the types of material of which the album is composed. Avoid photographic albums or scrapbooks that contain pages that are highly acidic or may contain chemicals that will eventually contribute to the deterioration of your prints. If you use acid and lignin free paper and mounting corners, and not glue or self-sealing plastic, your photos will last for years. Never use glue, staples, metal paperclips, or rubber bands to fasten or hold your material. Identify your prints on the album page or by writing lightly in pencil on the margin edge of the back of the photograph. Remember to include the date and names in the description. Plastic sleeves, if they are made from an inert plast such as polyester, polyethylene, or cellulose triacetate, are an excellent way to store both prints and negatives. However, be very aware that many photographic storage sleeves are made from poly-vinyl-chloride, a plastic which emits a gas that is harmful to photographic prints. A rule of thumb is if the plastic has a discernable odor it probably is not suitable for long-term storage.

If you have questions about documentation preservation or would like to donate your family records to the Latah County Historical Society, please call us at 882-1004 or email lchlibrary@latah.id.us.