Home | AIA Presentations | AIA Museum Storage Course

Museum Storage

Master the essentials of museum with MH USA!

musuem design

Chapter 2 : Proper Storage Products

In Chapter 2, we delve into the various types of storage products available for museum collections, examining each option’s unique benefits, limitations, and applications to meet the specific preservation needs of diverse collections.

Shelving

Understanding Shelving
Shelving is one of the most versatile and cost-effective storage solutions available. Here’s a closer look at its pros and cons:

Pros

  • Cost-Effective: Budget-friendly for a wide range of institutions.
  • Accessories Available: A variety of accessories enhance adaptability.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Can be adjusted for collections of different shapes and sizes.
  • Expandable: Easy to modify and expand as collection sizes grow.

Cons

  • Security Concerns: Shelving is open, which may present security risks.
  • Not Sealed: Items are exposed to environmental factors in the room.
  • Climate Adaptation: Collections on open shelves will adjust to the room’s climate conditions.
musuem design
A promotional graphic for the "AIA Museum Storage Course" by Material Handling USA. The image features a sleek, modern storage system with high-density mobile shelving units, designed specifically for museum collections. The shelving is filled with various artifacts and artworks, showcasing efficient and organized storage solutions. The background includes the Material Handling USA logo and branding elements, emphasizing the company's expertise in museum storage solutions.

Museum Cabinets

Understanding Museum Cabinets
Museum cabinets offer secure, climate-controlled environments designed to house specific collection types, offering added protection for delicate items:

  • Entomology Cabinets: Specialized cabinets for storing insect collections, ensuring protection and easy access.
  • Herbarium Cabinets: Tailored for plant collections, providing the necessary storage environment for herbarium specimens.
  • General Cabinets: Suitable for a wide array of collections, these cabinets provide adaptable storage for various artifacts.
  • Flat Files: Designed for flat, oversized items such as art and textiles, these units provide easy access without compromising item safety.

Art Rack

Understanding Art Racks
Art racks are specialized systems for storing framed artwork or other large, flat objects. These can be mounted in various ways to accommodate space needs and ensure secure storage:

  • Pull-out Art Rack: Free-standing, self-contained units that maximize flexibility.
  • Wall-Mounted Art Rack: Attached to perimeter walls to conserve central floor space.
  • Mobile Mounted Art Rack: Mounted on mobile carriages, allowing them to integrate into mobile storage systems for optimized use of space.
A storage room with paintings and various artifacts neatly arranged on spacefile mobile shelving. The organized space features framed artwork on the back wall and tagged items on the shelves. The polished concrete floor enhances the rooms tidy, well-maintained appearance.

Mobile Shelving

Understanding Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving is a space-saving solution ideal for maximizing storage capacity within a limited area. Depending on storage needs, mobile shelving offers:

A long, empty storage shelf unit with multiple rows and columns stands against a light-colored wall. The wood-paneled floor reflects the bright overhead lights, revealing the potential of customizable mobile shelving units for lab equipment to transform and maximize laboratory space efficiently.

Static Storage

Stationary, non-movable storage suitable for specific collections.

mobile shelving solution in EC Rect

Compact Storage

Offers the option to either store twice the materials in the same space or the same amount in half the space.

Advantages of Mobile Storage

  • Space Efficiency: Maximum storage capacity within minimal space.
  • Accessories: Wide variety of accessories and configurations to suit different collection types.
  • Safety Options: Equipped with safety features to ensure safe operation.

Disadvantages of Mobile Storage

  • Accessibility Limitations: Mobile systems may reduce quick access.
  • Higher Cost: Initial setup costs can be higher than traditional shelving.
In a bright, organized museum storage area, a person examines dinosaur fossils on white shelves filled with various fossilized bones and skulls. Nearby, a forklift stands ready to assist in the careful handling of these ancient treasures.
Rows of gray, customizable mobile shelving units with large black hand cranks occupy the storage room. Extending back into the room, these space-saving lab storage solutions indicate a compact system designed for optimizing and maximizing lab space.

Types of Mobile Assist Systems

  • Mechanical Assist: Includes features such as individual carriage locks, mechanical sweeps, and passive safety locks for secure operation.
  • Electronic Assist: Equipped with advanced safety options like infrared detection and aisle entry detectors. Access can also be restricted by user, enhancing security.

This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the various storage products available, helping museum professionals make informed choices to secure, preserve, and maximize their collections.

Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 3
Maximizing Storage Space
City skyline with tall buildings set against snow-capped mountains under a partly cloudy sky. The logo Material Handling USA appears in the upper left corner, highlighting our case studies and innovations in urban landscapes.

We Are MH USA

At MH USA, we specialize in providing innovative storage solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. As a trusted name in the material handling industry, we understand the importance of efficient storage planning and the role it plays in optimizing space and productivity. Our team is dedicated to helping architects, designers, and businesses create storage systems that are not only functional but also compliant with all federal regulations.

With years of experience in delivering high-quality storage products and services, we bring expertise and reliability to every project. Whether you’re taking the AIA Storage Planning Course or looking for customized storage solutions, MH USA is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact MH USA today for personalized assistance and discover how our tailored museum storage solutions can improve your business operations. Let us help you maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness with a solution designed specifically for you.

Call Now (800) 326-4403
Email Us
Schedule A Zoom

Specifications
for Material Handling USA

Explore the detailed specifications for all of our top-quality products, including weight limits, materials, dimensions, and more.

View Full Specifications
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT • Serving customers nationwide
Local service areas: Salt Lake City • Provo • Ogden • Park City • St. George • Logan • Lehi • Orem