Several of our Museum's sites share collections storage space in a state-owned facility which was originally constructed for records processing and storage. This has some benefits over rented commercial warehouse spaces which had been used in the past, however there are some limitations as well. While the facility does have climate control and good security, the areas available to us were originally configured for different purposes-like small offices and photographic dark rooms- so there are built-ins like cabinetry which limit the use of shelving or the size of objects which can stored, and fume hoods or floor drains that can affect humidity and pest control. The building is also still used for records storage as well as processing and storage of surplus property like furniture and computers so there is frequent traffic from non-museum staff. Access to the building and internal hallways is via electronic locks but our collections storage areas are behind doors with unique keyed locks. Based on our experience I would advocate for a facility dedicated to collections storage with appropriate security, pest, and climate control; maintain a log book of when spaces are accessed and by whom; and ensure that separate spaces can be independently controlled. Features like loading docks and wide doorways are also essential.
If commercial storage buildings are being considered, beware of incompatible neighboring spaces- at a former institution, offsite collections storage in a warehouse shared a wall with a hot sauce manufacturer and rodents were a frequent menace.
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John Turner
Registrar
Museum of Florida History
Tallahassee FL
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