Storage Planning for Cultural Facilities

Module Synopsis

This module discusses the process of storage planning and design, including space analysis, layout, structural requirements, scheduling, and costing processes. Damaging agents such as temperature, relative humidity, light, pollution, contaminants, fire, theft, pests, and water are addressed. Information on determining appropriate storage techniques for different collection types, choosing suitable storage materials, and selecting appropriate storage furnishings and finishes is also provided.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• understand the importance of drafting written preservation and storage plans for their institutions
• identify and understand the causes of deterioration of museum or gallery collection materials
• create plans for new or upgraded collections storage areas
• determine appropriate storage techniques for different collection types, choose suitable storage materials, and select appropriate storage furnishings and finishes
• work through the process of storage planning and design, including scheduling, space analysis, layout, and structural requirements

Units

Preliminary Considerations
General and introductory considerations for choosing locations for storage. Various equipment options for different types of objects.

Storage Planning
Importance of a collections care plan. Steps required for a successful storage plan that accommodates future needs. Advantages and disadvantages of various types of equipment, methods, materials, and supports.

Preventive Conservation
Damaging effects of temperature, relative humidity, light, pollution, contaminants, fire, theft, pests, and water. Some protection or control measures.

Storage Concepts
Prefabricated versus custom-designed equipment. Visual/open storage versus compact storage. Examples.

Project Design
Phased approach to a storage project. Security, fire, responsibilities of outside professions/trades and staff, building design, space layout, and storage equipment. Group exercise in planning/designing the upgrade of two storage areas in museum or gallery contexts as appropriate.

Upgrading Project
Grant process, collection relocation, and construction materials.

Post-project Activities
Monitoring space and equipment, warranties and performance bonds, resolution.

Target Audience
Staff and volunteers of cultural facilities who are responsible for improving or renovating existing collection storage, or for planning and developing new storage facilities or furnishings.

Facilitator(s)
Siegfried Rempel

Language
English

Enrollment Limits
Minimum 10; maximum 15

Duration
2 days

Customization Options

This workshop will rely heavily on the use of case studies. Participants are encouraged to use this opportunity to address real storage planning difficulties they face in their own institutions.