Tools of the Trade: Storage Carton

Written By Dmitri Schmidt

Like folders, record storage cartons AKA banker's boxes are staples to cultural heritage collections. In one orientation, they can accommodate letter-size files and in the other, legal-size. They can also be used to transport and store non-paper museum objects.

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing storage cartons is size:
How large is the collection? Boxes that are half filled can cause mechanical wear to the inhabitants.
Can the collection be divided into smaller groups? If so, half-width cartons may be more appropriate. Half-width cartons can also be cheaper and easier to lift.
Are you working with oversized materials? Avoid folding documents to make them fit in a too small box. Consider ordering custom sized boxes or making your own.

Want to learn more about the tools of the archival trade? Check out this webinar on our YouTube!

https://youtu.be/T6lSNqpmcL0?si=sxjFQv2MuwX4UAm6

#ToolsoftheTrade #BacklogArchivists #Conservation #Preservation

Dmitri Schmidt

Dmitri plays a pivotal role in coordinating Backlog’s outreach efforts. They curate our weekly #FridayFinds and #ArchivalTips social media posts, shedding light on items discovered in our genealogy work and providing tips and tricks to approaching problems in the archives.

Dmitri holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and German Studies from Saint Louis University. During their university years, they dedicated over 1000 hours to interning and volunteering at local St. Louis institutions, including the St. Louis Science Center and the St. Louis University Museum of Art. As the Collections Intern at the Science Center, Dmitri assisted in developing and installing the "Into the Vault" exhibit.

Before joining Backlog, Dmitri served as a Fulbright Grantee, teaching English as a second language in former East Germany. From guiding 11th graders in analyzing pop albums as poetry to discussing the significance of the civil rights movement with 8th graders, they covered a broad spectrum of subjects. While reveling in connecting with students and injecting fun into grammar lessons, Dmitri's deep passion for all things archival eventually drew them back home.

Today, Dmitri works as a Herbarium Assistant at the Missouri Botanical Garden, helping digitize the millions of preserved plant specimens. After being scanned and transcribed, these images aid scholars around the globe in furthering botanical research. Dmitri also serves as the archivist for the Kirkwood Historical Society. They are currently overseeing the “Journeys into Kirkwood’s History” project, which aims to digitize documents related to Kirkwood’s early Black settlements.

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Tools of the Trade: Drop-front Boxes
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Tools of the Trade: File Folders