What are the best practices for organizing and storing historical landscape publications?

2 Digitize your publications

The second step to organize your historical landscape publications is to digitize them if possible. Digitizing your publications means scanning them and converting them into digital files that you can store on your computer, cloud, or external hard drive. Digitizing your publications has several benefits, such as saving space, protecting them from physical damage, enhancing their readability, and facilitating their sharing and dissemination. However, digitizing your publications also requires some equipment, time, and skills, so you may need to seek professional help or use online tools and platforms.

3 Label your publications

The third step to organize your historical landscape publications is to label them clearly and consistently. Labeling your publications means adding metadata or information that describes their content, source, and format. For example, you can label your publications with their title, author, date, publisher, keywords, summary, and file name. Labeling your publications will help you search, sort, and filter them according to your needs and preferences, as well as avoid duplication and confusion.

4 Store your publications

The fourth step to organize your historical landscape publications is to store them properly and securely. Storing your publications means choosing a suitable location, container, and environment for them. For physical publications, you should store them in a dry, cool, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, moisture, and pests. You should also use acid-free boxes, folders, or envelopes to protect them from dust, dirt, and wear. For digital publications, you should store them in a reliable and accessible device, such as a computer, cloud, or external hard drive. You should also backup your files regularly and use encryption and passwords to protect them from unauthorized access or loss.

5 Update your publications

The fifth step to organize your historical landscape publications is to update them periodically and systematically. Updating your publications means checking their condition, accuracy, and relevance, and making any necessary changes or additions. For example, you may need to repair or replace damaged publications, verify or correct outdated information, or add new publications that complement or expand your collection. Updating your publications will help you maintain their quality, value, and usefulness.

6 Share your publications

The sixth step to organize your historical landscape publications is to share them with others who may benefit from them. Sharing your publications means making them available and accessible to other landscape architects, researchers, students, or enthusiasts who are interested in the history of landscape design. You can share your publications in various ways, such as lending, donating, or selling them, or creating a website, blog, or social media account where you can showcase and discuss them. Sharing your publications will help you contribute to the knowledge and appreciation of the field, as well as connect and collaborate with other professionals and enthusiasts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?