Photographs: Archival Care And Management

by Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler

An essential tool for custodians of photographs in archives, libraries, historical societies, and similar repositories who manage photographic materials. This authoritative guide provides pragmatic techniques for each aspect of managing collections of images, from appraisal and accessioning through arrangement, description, and research use.

Presented from an archival perspective, the book focuses on systematically working with collections of photographs, regardless of their age, size, condition, or usage levels, and addresses:

Archival management of photos,
History of photography,
Preservation issues and techniques,
Interpreting photographs,
Legal issues, and
Digitizing
Using photographs in outreach and educational efforts.

Superbly illustrated with nearly 300 images, it also includes an extensive bibliography and information on funding sources and professional organizations that have a special focus on photographs.

Genres: Reference, School, Photography, Nonfiction, Grad School

529 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sits 13 inches from my right hand every day at my job as a photo archivist.

[Jae]

if i had to read 200 pages of this for a class, i'm marking it as goddamn read on my goodreads.

(it was actually really useful and informative, if not a bit outdated; i just did not enjoy having to pour over the pages with limited time and extreme levels of stress)

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is a great textbook! I actually enjoy reading it...I'm an archives nerd, I know. I wish I had more time and energy at work and home to spend on preserving photographs. Heck, I wish I had lots of time to spend on preservation. Period. Love it!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a "Lone Arranger" photo archivist, this is my go-to reference next to my desk anytime I am wondering if what I'm thinking of doing is a good idea or if it will actually destroy something. Don't destroy stuff in your care, get this book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, but the digitization chapter is out of date and most of the links are dead.

[Gaby Chaput · Rating 3 out of 5]

for work again lol

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

the only text book that's actually worth the price.

[Collette Mcdonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on caring for photographs.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introductory book into photography and film preservation and archival work. Recommend for those interested in this topic