Storage Methods: The Best Ways to Store Items in Your Collection

Self-Paced Course

Course Description:

This course will teach the best storage and handling practices for a variety of items commonly found in an archive or library. Learn the best way to store bound materials, photographic prints, motion picture film, newsprint, textiles, oversized materials, CDs and DVDs, and much more.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify poor storage practices commonly found in collections.
  • Recall and apply proper handling guidelines for different materials in collections.
  • Design safe storage environments for a variety of materials.


Your Instructor


Carmen Cowick
Carmen Cowick

Carmen Cowick provides training, support, and consulting services for libraries in the areas of preservation and collections care. She previously worked as a preservation specialist at Amigos Library Services and in the library and archives of The American Irish Historical Society, The Seamen's Church Institute, and the Special Collections department at CUNY Queens College. She received a bachelor's degree in art history and a master's degree in library science with a certificate in archives and preservation of cultural materials from CUNY Queens College in New York City.

Carmen has written numerous scholarly articles on preservation-related topics and is the author of the books Digital Curation Projects Made Easy and Crash Course in Disaster Preparedness.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
This course is completely self-paced. You my start and finish whenever you would like.
Will the instructor be available for feedback and questions?
Because this is a completely self -paced, the instructor will not be available to answer any questions. If you have any technical problems with accessing the course you may contact [email protected] for help.
Will I receive a Certificate of Completion?
Yes. Once you have completed all the materials, and your course progress reaches 100% a certificate of completion will be automatically emailed to you within 3 business days.
How long do I have access to the course material?
You will have lifetime access to the course.
I am having trouble enrolling. Help!
We're sorry to hear this. Here are some options:
1. Try enrolling with a different browser or with a different device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.)
2. Request that we send you an invoice. This will be emailed to you and you can pay through the link provided in the invoice. Send us an email at [email protected].
My organization can only pay by check. Can I still enroll?
Yes. Email [email protected] and request an invoice be emailed to you. Be sure to list:
1. Name(s) of the participant(s)
2. Your organization's name
3. The name of the course you wish to enroll in.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your course, contact us within 48 hours of purchase and we will gladly give you a refund.

Enrollment opening soon.