Protecting and Preserving Collections with Off-Site Storage Solutions

What’s in the Presentation?
In an increasingly digital world, analog materials—such as books, archival records, museum artifacts, and law enforcement evidence—remain vital to the missions of many institutions. This presentation explores how off-site storage facilities can provide secure, efficient, and sustainable environments for preserving these irreplaceable assets.

Participants will gain insight into the trends driving the shift to off-site storage, the specific needs of analog collections, and the key considerations involved in planning and designing dedicated off-site storage spaces. Real-world case studies from a university, police department, museum, and public library will demonstrate the practical benefits and challenges of implementing these solutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the trends influencing the transition to off-site storage, and understand how libraries and institutions are evolving to meet modern needs—including bridging the digital divide for underserved communities.
• Understand the importance of preservation across different market sectors and how off-site storage helps protect and extend the life of critical collections.
• Learn the key steps in designing off-site storage facilities, including how to integrate FF&E with lighting, ventilation, and disaster mitigation systems to ensure the safety of employees and materials.
• Examine how high-bay and compact storage solutions can support adaptive reuse projects and contribute to sustainability and LEED v4.1 certification goals in design, construction, and operations.

Continuing Education Credit:
This course qualifies for 1 AIA or IDCEC LU|HSW credit.