Lesson 4: Recovery Procedures

Set Up the Recovery and/or Staging Areas

Recovery Area

If you are going to recover records on site, you will need a recovery area. Recovery areas should be large enough to accommodate several tables, be well-lit with good air circulation, and have access to clean running water. You may also need a computer, fans, plastic sheeting, shelves, drying materials, and dehumidifiers.

In addition, recovery areas should be environmentally controlled, as mold may develop in 48-72 hours if the temperature and humidity are high. Ideally, the temperature should be below 65 degrees F, with the relative humidity less than 50 percent. Monitor the climate within the recovery area and make the relative humidity levels consistent.

Cover shelves with plastic sheeting and tables with sheeting or a water-absorbent material such as clean newsprint from rolls. Set up fans so they are circulating the air but not blowing directly on the records. Keep wet records away from supports made of metal, which will rust.

Staging Area

If you are not going to recover records on site, but instead will be shipping them off site or to a contractor for recovery, you will need a staging area where you can box or re-box records, record them in a tracking system, and prepare them for shipment.

Select a site that is large, with plenty of room for tables, supplies, and shelves; for boxing and loading records; for tracking them; for staff moving about, etc. The ideal site will be accessible to trucks unloading supplies and loading boxes of records and other materials.

Additional information about recovery and staging areas, including the requirements for recovery and staging areas, and advice on what to if you don't have room for a recovery or staging area, is provided in your Participant Guide, Session 4, Module 2, Lesson 4 (PDF).