Hi, I’m Riley, the owner of Glitter Records, and today I want to talk with you about protecting your record collection. Over the past few years, I’ve spoken with many collectors who’ve lost cherished records to disasters like fires or floods. These are heartbreaking losses, which is why I want to show how such risks can be better avoided with just a little foresight and preparation. Whether it’s something as minor as a leaky pipe or as major as a catastrophic storm, taking a thoughtful and active approach can make all the difference. By investing the time to protect your record collection now, you can ensure it’s safe for many years to come.
Step 1: Conduct a Risk Assessment
The first step in protecting your collection is performing a thorough risk assessment. Start by evaluating the nature of your collection and the value of your records. Not all records hold the same value. Rare original pressings and records in pristine condition may be worth much more than most releases. Prioritizing these high-value items helps you determine which ones need the most protection.
Tools like those provided by Discogs offer a quick way to assess the value of your collection, and for unique collections, a professional valuation—especially for insurance purposes—may be worth considering. The value you place on a record may also be based on its personal significance, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s important to develop a system that works for you. Understanding these factors is essential when making decisions about risk management.
Step 2: Identify Potential Risks
Once you understand the value of what you have, the next step is identifying potential risks. External risks, like floods, and fires, are obvious threats. But don’t forget internal hazards, like aging plumbing, electrical faults, or mould growth. Take time to write out possible scenarios for each identified risk. For example, consider the impact of a shelving collapsing or a roof leak going unnoticed during heavy rains. Visualizing these possibilities will help you prepare more effectively.
Step 3: Analyze Risk Likelihood and Impact
After identifying risks, assess their likelihood and impact. Some risks, like minor bumps or cosmetic scratches to records from mishandling, might happen more frequently but have a low impact. Others, such as fires or floods, might be rare but could cause considerable damage. For instance, a collapsed shelf may cause minor damage to most records, but it could destroy fragile formats like shellac discs. Categorizing risks by frequency and severity will help you prioritize your efforts.
Step 4: Evaluate Risk Significance
Next, evaluate which risks require immediate attention. Prioritize those that are likely to occur and have serious consequences. For example, if your collection is stored in a flood-prone area, putting a flood preparedness plan in place should be a top priority. By systematically evaluating the risks, you can create a clear and actionable plan.
Step 5: Minimize Risks with Practical Measures
Once risks are assessed, it’s time to minimize them. While it’s natural to focus on the most significant threats, don’t overlook smaller tasks. For example, improving your labelling and storage systems may seem small but can have a big impact on preserving your collection’s integrity.
Structural Protection: Safeguarding Your Building
The physical environment where your collection is housed plays a crucial role in risk reduction. Regularly inspect your storage area for any issues with plumbing, electrical systems, and overall maintenance. Install fire detection, such as smoke detectors, to address the constant threat of fire. If you’re in a region prone to extreme weather, take steps like securing windows or sealing cracks to prevent damage.
Proper Storage Solutions Help Protect Your Record Collection
Always store records off the floor, away from areas prone to leaks, like basements or rooftops. Use sturdy shelves and store records upright to maintain their condition. Plastic cases or sleeves provide extra protection from dust, moisture, and accidental spills. For long-term preservation, a climate-controlled environment can prevent mould, warping, and degradation due to fluctuating temperatures and humidity.
Step 6: Keep an Accurate Inventory
Maintaining a detailed inventory of your collection is essential for disaster preparedness. Keep a copy offsite to help in the event of a disaster. An inventory will simplify recovery efforts and prioritize items for salvage. Digitizing rare or valuable records can also preserve their content. Make sure digital backups are stored in separate locations to keep them safe in case something happens to your primary collection.
Step 7: Embrace Digitization
Digitization helps protect your record collection against both physical and technological risks. By converting analog content to digital formats, you preserve the material and make it more accessible for future use. However, digital collections come with their own risks, like data loss or corruption. Regular backups and secure storage practices are essential to safeguard against these challenges.
Conclusion: Long-Term Preservation
Preparation is the key to ensuring the long-term preservation of your record collection. By taking time to assess risks, prioritize actions, and implement practical safeguards, you can minimize the chance of damage or loss. The time and effort invested today will ensure that your collection remains a source of joy and inspiration for many years. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, proactive risk management is crucial for caring for your records and the memories they hold.
