Record collections tend to grow faster than expected. Whether it’s from chance discoveries, gifts from family and friends, or a strong commitment to collecting over time, many of us end up with more than we ever intended. The real art of record collecting, however, lies in developing an intentional approach that turns a pile of music into a curated collection. This means being thoughtful about what we collect, how we care for it, and why we add each record to our collections.
Start with Your Purpose
An intentional approach to record collecting starts with understanding why you’re collecting in the first place. Are you focusing on a particular genre, artist, or time period? Or is your collection driven by a deeper motivation? Defining your goals as a collector is crucial. This clarity will guide each new acquisition and help you make thoughtful decisions as your collection grows.
Without a clear vision, your collection can easily become a random assortment of mixed records that don’t truly reflect who you are. Defining your values as a collector helps reduce the risk of saying “yes” to records that don’t align with your goals or desires. When you collect with intention, every addition has a purpose and strengthens your collection. By knowing your strategy, you can confidently ask yourself, “Does this record fit the collection I’m building?” If the answer is no, it’s easier to walk away.
Does A Record Belong With You?
Does this sound recording belong to you? If so, why? Consider how the record fits with what you have. Will it complement your collection, or will it distract from your focus?
The temptation to acquire every “great find” is strong, but an intentional collector always asks, “Does this belong with the collection I’m building?” Having criteria for the condition is also important. While a busted cover or a heavily scratched record at a cheap price may seem tempting in the heat of the moment, it’s important to ask if it will ultimately satisfy you. A record in poor condition may be more of a burden than a benefit in the long run.
Care and Preservation
As your collection grows, so does your responsibility to care for it. Sound recordings, whether vinyl, cassettes, or digital files, each require different forms of preservation. Vinyl, for example, is prone to dust and scratches, so storing a record properly upright in a cool and dry low-light environment is essential. As is ensuring they are held on sturdy shelving and making sure you clean them periodically. Tapes and even CDs can deteriorate over time. Especially if exposed to heat or humidity, and even digital files require backups to avoid losing them. An intentional collector invests time and energy to ensure their collection and the space in which it is housed is well-maintained.
Document Your Collection
Documentation is just as important as storage. A digital catalogue or a handwritten list to note the version, condition, and significance of each record is important. This adds depth to your collection and helps preserve its meaning. Even a simple system of documentation can make the difference between a mindful collection and junk waiting to be removed. As a record store owner, I’ve seen too many private collections broken up or even given away because the owner didn’t carefully consider documentation or legacy planning.
Curate with Purpose
At the end of the day, record collecting isn’t just about the thrill of finding rare items. There are responsibilities and inherent costs of ownership. Which is why it is essential to curate your collection with care and purpose. Every new acquisition should strengthen your collection. Each record should align with your goals and mission. It should be handled, stored, and preserved with care. By gathering what you have with intention, you turn your records from mere objects into an enduring collection.
