The ISO/DIS 11799(en) has recently concluded its Stage 40.60 Close of Voting, marking a significant progression in its development. This document, titled "Information and documentation — Document storage requirements for archive and library materials," is currently in its third edition, replacing the previous edition from 2015 with notable technical revisions.
Prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 46, specifically its Subcommittee SC 10, Requirements for document storage and conditions for preservation, the third edition includes updated content aligned with ISO standards and technical reports published after the second edition, notably ISO/TR 19814:2017 ("Collections Management for Archives and Libraries") and ISO/TR 19815:2018 ("Management of the environmental conditions for archive and library collections").
The revision also provides increased detail and guidance on facility requirements and considerations. The introduction underscores the role of archives and libraries as institutions established for the collection, preservation, and accessibility of materials intended for consultation, with the stored materials encompassing a diverse range, including documents on various mediums such as paper, parchment, palm leaves, papyrus, photographic materials, audio-visual documents, and digital formats.
One of the noteworthy aspects of the third edition is the incorporation of updated content to align with ISO standards and technical reports published after the second edition. Notably, ISO/TR 19814:2017 ("Collections Management for Archives and Libraries") and ISO/TR 19815:2018 ("Management of the environmental conditions for archive and library collections") are among the referenced publications. The revision also entails increased detail and guidance on facility requirements and considerations.
The introduction underscores the role of archives and libraries as institutions established for the collection, preservation, and accessibility of materials intended for consultation. The stored materials encompass a diverse range, including documents on various mediums such as paper, parchment, palm leaves, papyrus, photographic materials, audio-visual documents, and digital formats.
ISO/DIS 11799(en) outlines the scope of the international standard, specifying the characteristics of repositories used for the long-term storage of archive and library materials. The standard covers aspects such as siting, construction, and renovation of storage facilities, as well as the installation and equipment within and around the building. It applies universally to all archive and library materials, accommodating mixed media storage alongside paper-based materials.
The standard explicitly excludes exhibition or display guidelines and refrains from specifying detailed rules related to construction, safety, and security, except when recommending additions to national or local building regulations.
Companion documents, ISO/TR 19814 and ISO/TR 19815 serve as guides for program activities and operations once the physical structure of the store is in place. The term "repository" is specifically used to refer to a collection's storage space, excluding broader facility considerations.
The document acknowledges the challenges institutions may face in creating and maintaining optimal conditions for long-term storage based on climate and economic situations. It encourages institutions to document the factors influencing their decisions in overall project documentation for the benefit of future professionals.
In conclusion, ISO/DIS 11799(en) is a comprehensive standard addressing the design and construction requirements for archive and library storage spaces. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring these institutions' long-term preservation and active usage of diverse materials. Users are encouraged to provide feedback or pose questions through their respective national standards bodies.