Summary

Know the material types and the agents of decay that are most likely to cause damage in a collection so that appropriate steps can be taken to minimise deterioration and damage.
Exclude direct sunlight from storage and display areas.
Maintain light, temperature and relative humidity levels in storage and display areas that are best suited to minimise the deterioration of the most sensitive objects in those areas.
Use archival quality materials to store and display artefacts.
Where possible apply passive, low technology techniques to buffer changes in relative humidity and temperature rather than rely on expensive mechanical systems.
Isolate artefacts that are prone to deterioration from more stable artefacts.
Focus on improving storage and display conditions than applying treatments to deteriorated or damaged artefacts.
Ensure that house-keeping standards are high and that buildings are well maintained so that the effects of biological pests are reduced and internal environmental conditions are as good as they can be.
Regularly monitor the condition of stored artefacts.