If you do indeed mean "Rubbermaid" brand containers, I would recommend against them. There are different types depending on the need for rigidity. Also they lock in moisture. One of the problems of storage is locking in moisture in an "air-tight" container. You really need to consider acid-free boxes, but if you are concerned about water damage, you can get prophylene boxes instead. You can control the humidity to a degree in the boxes with silica gel containers if that is a concern. Dean Dean DeBolt University Librarian, Special Collections John C. Pace Library, University of West Florida 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514-5750 850-474-2213 [log in to unmask] ________________________________ From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bishop O'Rourke Library Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 12:40 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Storing old photos We are in the process of digitizing some old photos so we can use the digital versions and keep the originals stored away. In the past, the pictures suffered some water damage, so one of our staff members proposed moving the originals to rubbermaid containers. I recall hearing that some forms of plastic will damage photographs over time, so I wonder is rubbermaid safe? The pictures will be in acid-free paper sleeves and would otherwise be in archival boxes. Cost is a concern, and humidity control where the photos are housed for the next few years may not be very good (we are in a very cramped space as a new facility is being built). Thanks for any advice you can give to this pinch-hitting librarian. Melissa Martinez Librarian, Bishop O'Rourke Library St. John's Catholic Newman Center Phone: (217) 255-6610 Email: [log in to unmask] A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>