There are a wide variety of collection object types created using digital-printing techniques, including images, manuscripts, books, ephemera, etc. and objects produced by digital print technologies are entering institutional collections at an increasing rate. IPI digital print preservation research focuses on the preservation of digitally-printed images and addressing questions that will help collections staff better understand and care for these materials. While there are many printing technologies for output from computers, IPI has focused on the three most popular forms of image hardcopy: inkjet, dye sublimation, and electrophotography.
A variety of harmful forces can affect collection objects in storage resulting in multiple forms of deterioration. For digital prints, the primary drivers of deterioration are heat, moisture, and air pollutants, though each print type will have its own unique sensitivities to each of these. Signs of deterioration include image fading, color shift, paper yellowing, ink bleed, and cracking or delamination of paper layers. Control of temperature, humidity, and air quality in storage environments can significantly decrease the rate of change experienced by digital print materials.
Grant Funding
Digital print preservation research at IPI has consisted of several grant-funded initiatives since 2007.
Peer-Reviewed Articles
Research related to digital print preservation has been published in imaging science and preservation journals.
Workshops
Workshops on digital print preservation are being taught across the US and abroad.
DP3project.org is a website devoted to presenting IPI’s research on digital print preservation. Information about digital printing technologies, common forms of deterioration, and guidelines for handling, storage, display, and naming of materials are provided at dp3project.org and summarized in IPI’s Guide to Preservation of Digitally-Printed Images.
This guide provides basic information on the storage and preservation of digitally-printed photographs in scholarly and cultural collections. While there are many printing technologies for output from computers, this guide focuses on the three most popular forms of image (i.e. pictorial) hardcopy: inkjet, digital electrophotography, dye sublimation. Information on recommended storage conditions, selection of housing and framing materials, proper handling and display are included. Collection care personnel in cultural institutions are the intended audience for this guide, however, it will also be useful to photographers, artists, and the general public.
This guide provides step-by-step directions for responding to water emergencies affecting inkjet prints that will guide responders from the moment of access to the wetted collection to fully-dried prints.