Bangor University Archives: Passive storage - the built environment
Archives and Special Collections | Bangor University
Several passive storage improvements have been made to the strongroom at Bangor University Archives, which have resulted in a safer and more stable environment.
Summary
Between 2010 and 2015, in conjunction with the National Conservation Service (NCS), work was started to improve the conditions of the strongroom and prevent large swings in temperature and humidity.
The work on improving the archival storage areas started in 2010. In February of that year, The National Archives (UK) produced a report as part of their assessment of the application of the University (under the acceptance in lieu scheme) for the Penrhyn Papers to be permanently allocated with the university. TNA report highlighted fundamental weaknesses in terms of the quality of archival accommodation and a lack of fully effective environmental controls exacerbated by the presence of windows in the main strong rooms and of water pipes in the basement strongroom.
By August of that year, in light of this report and in the absence of an onsite conservator a decision was made to sign up as members of the NCS.
The first step was to place several data loggers in various locations to gather some data and create an environmental picture of what was happening in the strong rooms. This provided the archives with hard evidence that could be presented to the university management in order to improve the archival accommodation.
Improperly covered windows, a fresh air system, and low-hanging fluorescent lights were all contributing to these issues. UV and heat-proof film were placed on the windows as well as blackout roller blinds. In 2011 the fresh air system was shut down and in 2012 the heating coils on one side of the main strong room were turned off, and later, the whole system was turned off.
Further strong room improvements were made in May-June 2015 and this work was planned initially to replace the fluorescent lighting and remove and replace the ceiling in the main strong room. More recent data gathered by the NCS reveals a substantial improvement in the environment of the main strong room.
In 2023 the archive replaced the aging shelving in their main strongroom thanks to a substantial AHRC grant. As part of this project, the room was painted with blowerproof paint to create a more airtight environment and more effectively control humidity.
Image credit: Bangor University
Graph showing humidity and temperature data for Bangor University strongroom from April 2010 to June 2011
Graph showing humidity and temperature data for Bangor University strongroom from May 2015 to February 2016