The Storage of Art on Paper: A Basic Guide for Institutions

Citation

Nelson, S. (2002), "The Storage of Art on Paper: A Basic Guide for Institutions", New Library World, Vol. 103 No. 3, pp. 116-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/nlw.2002.103.3.116.1

This booklet sets out to provide basic guidance on the storage and preservation of works of art on paper, and to show how preservation of such items can be achieved in a “practical, cost‐effective” way (p. 26). Although aimed at conservation staff and students of art conservation or preservation, it is also relevant to library and information professionals working with collections which include works of art on paper, and to students wanting to specialise in art librarianship.

Ogden identifies the main factors which need to be taken into account when selecting storage locations, storage enclosures and storage furniture, and points out the special considerations necessary for the storage of oversized items. She also sets out guidelines for the routine handling of works of art on paper, and offers excellent advice on this vital aspect of preservation; emphasis is placed on the importance of establishing set procedures and of ensuring that these are strictly adhered to by staff and users.

As a basic guide, The Storage of Art on Paper is impressive. It is written in a clear and very readable style, and contains a surprising amount of detail for such a slim volume. It provides the essential information, without going into too much technical detail, and includes a list of suggested further reading to help the reader locate additional information on specific areas of preservation and storage. Although, as an American publication, the reader is occasionally referred to American National Standards, this does not detract from its usefulness to institutions outside the USA.

The guide’s only real weakness is its lack of a contents page, which would seem to be essential for something that is described by the publishers as a “handy guide”. The format is presumably constrained by the standard layout of this Occasional Paper series, and perhaps publication elsewhere in a different format – possibly with illustrations – should be considered. With the addition of a contents page, and the use of a less cramped layout (allowing the headings and sub‐headings to stand out more), this text would constitute an excellent, easy to use, handbook. Nevertheless, even as it stands, The Storage of Art on Paper is a good basic guide to the subject, and would serve as a useful starting point for the drawing up of organisations’ own specific guidelines. It is a valuable addition to the relatively sparse literature on art librarianship.