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How to: Document and Label your Photos:

Documenting your personal photographs is an important step in preserving your family's history. Once you have sorted through your picture archive, the next step is to label the photographs with pertinent information, such as names, dates and settings, to keep track of your cherished memories.

However, you can't use just any old label or stylus on your photographs. Adhesives that are either water activated or pressure sensitive might damage your photographic prints. These adhesive labels also add unwanted thickness to your photographs, eventually leaving a visible impression.

Fortunately, there are several other labeling options that will not only help organize but also protect your valuable archive images.

High marks
One simple yet effective way to label your photographs is by using waterproof Permanent Marker Pens on the back of your prints that have a polyethylene surface. Because the pens feature acid-free ink, they will not bleed through and damage your photographs. However, be sure to test the pens' drying time on the intended surface before stacking your photographs or inserting them into envelopes.

Professional archivists also recommend using a soft No. 2 pencil on the back of photographic prints that are fiber based. Using Stabilo-All Pencils on polyethylene surfaces and film negatives is a stress-free way to mark your photographs without worrying about ink potentially transferring. However, pencils cannot be used on prints that are coated in resin.

When marking up the backs of your photographs, make sure you are doing so on a firm surface. It is also recommended that you write toward the edges of the photographs, rather than in the center.

The envelope, please
If you would prefer not to write directly on your photographs, envelopes are another option for labeling your picture archive. Whether Flap Envelopes that provide secure storage or Open-End Envelopes that are perfect for film negatives, envelopes are a safe, low-stress and long-term way to organize and label your photograph collection. The envelopes keep your photographs firmly stacked, and can be written on directly with the Permanent Marker Pens.

Digital revolution
As digital photographs and electronic storage media become more prevalent, you might want to create a computer database for your picture archive - especially if you find yourself breaking out your digital camera more often. To create a digital database, it helps to sort your pictures into various computer file folders, which can then be named and dated accordingly. Each picture file can also be individually named and dated.

There are also numerous online platforms, such as Flickr and Photobucket, that allow you to access your picture archive at your convenience - all you need is a password and Wi-Fi.

Brafton written article for www.archivalmethods.com 10/21/2013

Corrugated Storage Boxes
Multipurpose archival boxes can be used for the storage of objects, documents (standard and oversized), magazines, books or other smaller boxes to consolidate a collection of stamps or coins in one place.
Artifact Box	Record Storage Boxes	Half Size Record Storage Carton
Drop Side Boxes	Triangular Roll Storage Box	Flip Top Record Storage

Q&A:

Question: What is a Thermo-Hygrometer?

Answer: It is a device that will monitor the temperature and humidity within display cases, storage shelves/cabinets and boxes.  Temperature changes affect objects quickly—often in a matter of hours.  The enclosure or box they object is stored in doesn’t matter much when rapid changes occur in temperature and humidity.  It is true that enclosures offer physical protection, but they do not necessarily protect the items inside from the dangers of changes in temperature surrounding the collection.

As far as humidity within the storage area changing from high or very low over a long period of time (a season or longer) becomes more problematic for preservation of artwork than short term fluctuations. It is recommended to monitor the humidity levels on a regular basis and noting any significant changes over 3-4 month intervals.

The Thermo-Hygrometer is quite small in size.  It measures just 1-1/16” x 1-7/8” x 9/16”. The Temperature reading (Fahrenheit measurement) has an accuracy ± 1.8 F and the Relative Humidity (RH) measurement accuracy of ± 5%. A battery is not needed since it is a mechanical design that used a Bi-metallic method for high accuracy making recalibration possible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail them to [email protected] or visit us on Twitter, FaceBook or LinkedIn.