Marsha-

It sounds to me like you've pretty much talked yourself into on-
site storage, and I think you're right.  I agree with all of the
reasons you stated.  Having started with an off-site storage
nightmare and finally being able to bring all our collections
under one roof, I can vouch for the advantages for on-site storage.

It is much easier to control the storage environment and keep track
of each artifact.  Collection management requires constant vigilance
and with off-site storage, you're working against human nature: the
old adage "out of site, out of mind" becomes a significant negative
factor.  It is true that building, or retrofitting, storage areas
to meet current conservation standards is expensive, but renting
them would be even more expensive and you're basically throwing
that money down the drain.  If building climate-controled storage
is not an immediate option, it would still be better to have your
collections stored under less than ideal conditions where you can
keep a close eye on them rather than in some warehouse across town.


Amy A. Douglass
Tempe Historical Museum
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