This document provides information on recent discussions and changes in recommendations and guidance on environmental management within the cultural heritage field. Conservation research on preventive methodologies and passive control provided by specific construction methods and renovations, developments in technology for controlling the environment, and energy and climate change issues are included.

This document is intended for archives and libraries and other institutions with large volumes of collections that are based on paper. Archives and libraries also have collections that include film, magnetic media, leather, and other organic, inorganic or composite materials. These institutions have a unique challenge of extending the lifespan of these materials for access and use in the present and for future generations. The environment plays a key role in extending the lifespan of all of these materials.

This document is intended for use in preservation planning and ongoing environmental management of permanent storage conditions for archives and library collections and applies to all collections being permanently stored for an institution.