This page provides a resource that briefly goes into what kinds of films repositories are looking for and where films can be donated, as well as the implications for donating. Archives usually request that in the Deed of Gift that a donor transfer copyright over to the repository. This is something donors should consider in terms of the amount of control they wish to exercise over their home movies, but the donation of their film materials to archives is their best chance at preservation.
Donors must also consider the fact that these films would be accessible to anyone, unless specified otherwise in the Deed of Gift which isn’t an ideal situation for archives who want to provide public access to materials; the purpose of archives is not to store materials, it is to provide access of materials to the public. So if there are things that the donor does not want seen by the public, they must have that conversation with the repository to see if there are any alternative solutions in this regard. Not all collections are subject to such strict standards and the donor’s wishes are always taken into serious consideration and sometimes alternatives can be worked out. Also be aware that if a film was created before 1950, a repository should be contacted as soon as possible because keeping certain film materials, such as nitrate, can be extremely dangerous. Nitrate film has the ability to spontaneously combust and owners of these films ought to contact repositories to get expert advice on proper disposal methods, or better, yet donation and preservation.
Below are a variety of resources to aid in film preservation, as well as some storage tips, product sites, and vendor sites.
Film Forever's Home Movie Preservation Guide
AMIA's Supplier Directory
Motion Picture Film Preservation
AMIA's Home Preservation Guide
The National Archives' Caring For Your Family Archives Page
Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute Art Conservation Product Suppliers Page
Donors must also consider the fact that these films would be accessible to anyone, unless specified otherwise in the Deed of Gift which isn’t an ideal situation for archives who want to provide public access to materials; the purpose of archives is not to store materials, it is to provide access of materials to the public. So if there are things that the donor does not want seen by the public, they must have that conversation with the repository to see if there are any alternative solutions in this regard. Not all collections are subject to such strict standards and the donor’s wishes are always taken into serious consideration and sometimes alternatives can be worked out. Also be aware that if a film was created before 1950, a repository should be contacted as soon as possible because keeping certain film materials, such as nitrate, can be extremely dangerous. Nitrate film has the ability to spontaneously combust and owners of these films ought to contact repositories to get expert advice on proper disposal methods, or better, yet donation and preservation.
Below are a variety of resources to aid in film preservation, as well as some storage tips, product sites, and vendor sites.
Film Forever's Home Movie Preservation Guide
AMIA's Supplier Directory
Motion Picture Film Preservation
AMIA's Home Preservation Guide
The National Archives' Caring For Your Family Archives Page
Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute Art Conservation Product Suppliers Page