Overview
ISO 11799:2024 - Information and documentation - Document storage requirements for archive and library materials - defines required characteristics for repositories used for the long-term storage of archive and library materials. The standard covers siting, construction, renovation, installation and equipment for storage facilities and applies where mixed media are stored together with paper-based materials. It supports sustainable collections storage and does not provide exhibition or display guidelines.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 11799:2024 addresses technical and operational aspects of repository design and management, including:
- Design planning and risk assessment
- Identify design participants, set priorities and establish specifications
- Conduct site and hazard risk assessments (fire, water, pests, seismic, access)
- Building materials and assembly
- Guidance on building fabric, insulation, airtightness, vapor behaviour and off-gassing of construction materials
- Considerations for foundations, roofs, interior finishes and floors
- Mechanical/HVAC systems
- Requirements for environmental control, equipment siting and design considerations to protect collections
- Security and services
- Protection against intruders, secure circulation routes, doors, windows and services management
- Furniture, shelving and lighting
- Selection of storage furniture (including mobile shelving systems) and lighting strategies to reduce light damage
- Environmental monitoring
- Methodology for monitoring, equipment deployment, data retention and analysis to maintain collection-friendly conditions
- Building-related hazards
- Measures for pest control, water ingress prevention, fire prevention and detection, seismic protection and emergency power
- Facility records and maintenance
- Documentation and maintenance planning for long-term repository performance
- Annexes
- Annex A: automatic fire-fighting systems (informative)
- Annex B: recommended climatic conditions for long-term storage (informative)
- Annex C: environmental transitions for materials (informative)
Applications
ISO 11799:2024 is practical for:
- New construction of archives and library repositories
- Renovation and retrofitting of existing storage spaces
- Specifying HVAC, building materials, shelving and monitoring systems
- Developing risk-based emergency preparedness and maintenance plans
- Creating sustainable collections storage strategies that balance preservation and building performance
Who should use this standard
- Archivists and librarians
- Collections managers and conservation professionals
- Architects and building designers for cultural heritage facilities
- HVAC and security engineers working on repository projects
- Facility managers responsible for long-term storage and preservation
Related standards
ISO 11799:2024 is part of the information and documentation family (ICS 01.140.20). Users should consider complementary standards on fire safety, environmental control and preservation practice when implementing repository solutions.