In continuation with the Preservation series of blog posts….here are Tips #5 and 6 courtesy of Duke University Libraries Preservation Department.
Tip #5 – Make Duplicates
As we’ve mentioned in our articles and other blog posts, you should always make high quality copies of your originals. Although this may be impossible for some collections, but if you have photographs you really have no excuses in not protecting them.
However, if you’re going to take the effort to duplicate them, then make sure that you do it right using high quality professional photo paper and high quality ink that will last longer. The good part is that there are lots of people who claim to be able to do this, however, the tough part can be finding a reputable photographic reproduction company. I admit that I’m a bit biased because my family has been restoring photographs for decades and know how to do it properly. The point is go with someone you trust or who comes recommended to you.
Tips #6 – Be Prepared for Disasters
Although disasters are one topic that we don’t want to think about- do you know what items in your home would be important to save? Obviously it goes without saying that your safety should always come first, but if you have time to save your most valuable possessions what would they be?
In cases like this, the best thing you should do is get prepared in advance and make duplicates of the things that are truly irreplaceable like family photos, important documents and financial records.
Our recommendation is to make duplicates of these important items and store the duplicates in a separate location like a safety deposit box or for a less expensive option, a safe place at a family members home. There are also resources available that can help you create lists and get organized. If you have a lot of important family records and photographs, here is one site that was recommended to me: Council of State Archivists Family Records Disaster Planning Guide. They sell both a family records kit and a business records kit that’s available in paperback form or electronic download.
Hope you enjoyed these two tips….now we have only four tips more to go!