At our archives we are currently processing a number of cellular telephones
into our artifact collection.  All of these items contain batteries of one
type or another.   Most of the batteries are fairly standard, but some may
be a little less common.  We are concerned that over time these batteries
will leak corrosive chemicals, damaging the artifact and creating potential
health hazards.

One option is to simply remove the batteries and dispose of them in a proper
manner.  However, if we do this, are we destroying the integrity of the
object, lessening it's historical interest years from now?   To maintain the
integrity of the object, we could remove the battery and store it
separately.  If this second option is chosen, the question then becomes what
sort of enclosure would we use to both preserve the battery and maintain a
safe environment for the staff?

If anyone else has grappled with these issues - whether or not to keep
batteries associated with an object, and if yes, how to store them - your
thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Chip Larkin
Archivist/Collection Development
AT&T Archives
5 Reinman Road
Warren, NJ 07059
Ph:  908-226-2396
Fax:  908-756-2105
Email:  [log in to unmask]

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