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Summary: ARMA and environmental recommendations



I'd like to thank the dozens of you who responded to my request.  I remain
convinced that no reputable records manager would ever recommend non-air
conditioned storage for permanent, archival records.  I suspect the sales
rep for Iron Mountain was simply blaming ARMA for her own false information.
I do remain concerned, however, that reps such as this one are taking
advantage of individuals seeking storage for their valuable and
irreplaceable records-- individuals who may not know about appropriate
environmental conditions for records.


To summarize various responses:

1.  No one associated with ARMA felt that this sales rep, even though she is
a member of ARMA, represented the organization in any way
2.  Most records managers were horrified by the notion that anyone would
think heat was ok for storage of permanent records
3.  Some preservation-minded archivists reminded me that, in addition to
heat and humidity, light was another harmful ingredient for records
4.  High temperature, high relative humidity, and poor housekeeping also
contribute to pests (insects and vermin) and mold
5.  High heat and humidity levels increase chemical reactions in paper that
lead to yellowing, curling, condensation, and embrittlement
6.  Many individuals pointed out that before choosing an offsite storage
vendor one should always inspect the storage area first-- don't just trust
what the vendor tells you, and it is best to send out an RFP so that you can
specify exactly what your needs are and get this in writing before any
contracts are signed
7.  Finally, several people recommended environmental standards, such as
NARA's, for offsite storage of records.  This is available on their website
(www.nara.gov) and is in 36 CFR Part 1228.

> Regards,
>
> Sammie Morris, CA
> Archivist
> Dallas Museum of Art
> 1717 North Harwood
> Dallas, Texas 75201
> (214) 922-1375
>
>
>
>

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