Ordering archival supplies

       Last week I had to order supplies to finish re-housing a collection.  You’d think this would be a simple task, but for some reason it’s a task that takes an inordinate amount of time.  You can’t just order file boxes or storage boxes.  Oh no, you have to find the right box for all of those odd sized  papers and items.  For example, what size box is best for a soda can used as part of an award?  It can be complicated.  Besides housing odd-sized things there are so many choices of types of boxes – shallow lids or not. drop front boxes or not, and on and on.  Supplies are ordered from archival supply companies. There are several and all are available on line. (www.hollingermetaledge.com; www.gaylord.com; www.universityproducts.com; www.lightimpressionsdirect.com ) Hollinger used to be the premier company for archival supplies and they advertise that they are the oldest, but since Metal Edge bought them I’ve experienced difficulty in getting supplies delivered in a timely manner.  Gaylord is my choice these days and they give discounts for institutions, especially if you will be ordering a large number of boxes and supplies.

        Would you believe that even ordering regular storage boxes involves lots of choices?  After much research I've found that one of the Gaylord storage boxes is strongest.  For some reason the traditional blue Hollinger box has gotten very flimsy. See below for what I mean.  Unless you are using it for objects that put no pressure on the sides and are light weight I don’t recommend it.  Get the heavier box.  It will last longer and is about the same price.

Flimsy e-flute box

Stronger acid-free box

          By the way, late May and early June are terrible times to order archival supplies. It is the end of the budget year for many institutions, so everyone is putting in an order to spend any leftover money. It can take forever to get supplies. Almost any other time is quicker. Do shop around though both within a web site and between companies.  (That’s one of the reasons ordering takes so long.)  Prices and box size and type do vary even within the same company.  Don’t forget to consider shipping fees. They do add up.  Also pay attention when you are ordering odd sized boxes for newspapers or textiles or whatever.   The price listed is usually for one box, but you may be required to order three or more boxes. Prices also vary based on box color or coating.  Black and tan boxes are usually more expensive, for example.  E-flute can be cheaper.  (See the box on the left.) E-flute is light blue and looks like cardboard – two thin layers with corrugated layer in the middle. It is fine for light weight objects like textiles or small items requiring small boxes.  Next to e-flute, blue grey boxes are often the cheapest and the only difference is color.  Water resistant boxes (dura-coated or safe-cote boxes) to keep out moisture are probably not necessary unless you are in a very humid environment or store in the basement where you shouldn’t have archives anyway.  I don’t know if they are better at keeping dust out or not.  Nothing can keep West Texas dirt out in my opinion. Good luck!