Polly Rosenbaum
Archives and History Building
A division of Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
Design Concerns
Possible Hazards Threatening Long-term Preservation Security of the Collections
Leaking roofs, lightening, high winds, earthquake, fire, flooding, arson, train derailment, runaway vehicle,
bombing, professional thievery, insects and vermin, gaseous and particulate air pollution from a variety of
sources, UV light, and high temperature and humidity are threats that have been identified. Consideration
of these threats will influence the design of the new facility.
Some threats, such as airplane crashes and nuclear bombs and radiation, are highly unlikely and it is recognized that they cannot be feasibly protected from by architectural design.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Concerns
An integral aspect of the long- term preservation of the collections revolves around the special mechanical
systems that can provide suitable environmental storage conditions for collections (separate from work and
public areas), as well as proper venting in the conservation laboratory and treatment areas to meet OSHA
regulations.
Through research, consultation with experts and extensive discussion, the ASLAPR staff has agreed upon these environmental conditions for storage of collections:
- Archives (including photographic prints and electronic media), Pre-Archives, Rare Books and document materials - 55 degrees temperature, 30% relative humidity with no more than a 3% variable range
- Capitol Museum - 70 degrees, 40% relative humidity with no more than a 3% variable range.
Standards and Technical Publications
All available industry standards and technical information pertaining to the design of such a facility are
under review by ASLAPR, ADOA and DWL.
See attached supplement for a list of published literature.
Other identified design requirements:
- Fire Prevention
- Security - internal and external
- Meeting federal ADA requirements for public and work areas and building access
- Zoning and site preparation
- Pre-occupation testing of building systems
- Use of non off-gassing building materials, floor covering and finishes on equipment in storage areas.
- Efficient work flow adjacency and access of areas
- Flexibility for changing needs
- Redundant source of electric power to support certain functions in a power failure
- Secure loading dock area and holding areas for evaluation and accession of materials
- UV filtration for all sources of lighting and windows
- Treatment area for handling insect and vermin infestations, mold and other hazards
- Conservation laboratory and darkroom
- Processing and staff work areas
- Internal paging system
- Public reading/research/consultation areas
- Information technology/communications area
- Telecom system with wireless and wired capabilities
- Legislative/agency meeting room. This will be a meeting room with high/tech telecommunications capabilities that may be used for a variety of functions.
- Parking for the staff and public
- Mechanical areas
- Security and mechanical administration areas
- Custodial closets
- Supply and storage areas
- Restrooms
- Front entry/lobby for public access
- Future building expansion
- Attractive, dignified building exterior and landscaping