This won’t include every single Archive Sin in existence, as, generally speaking, there are a lot of rules and regulations when working in an Archival space, due to the nature of the job and the materials being handled, but here’s the ones that come to mind.
Also, I wouldn’t call these all sins, just, general Archival rules that I’ve been taught and some sins here and there.
— Stapling, this does happen in TMA, it’s what inspired the post as you can see. Stapling documents is a massive no, as it causes damage to the papers, even more-so when the staple rusts. Brass paper clips are go to — to my knowledge — as brass won’t rust.
— Drinks near documents — I cannot stress this enough. Even when we, as volunteers, are given coffee and tea by our supervisor, we are to keep any liquids far away from documents or items. That is a disaster waiting to happen.
— Touching photographs without gloves. I don’t think photographs are ever mentioned as accompanying any statement in TMA to my memory, but if they are, Jon better be wearing gloves, or so help me. Finger prints will cause lasting damage to photographs, causing an ongoing reaction that will break them down over time. This alone birthed the joke amongst me and two other volunteers of “Your fingerprint killed Grandma!”
— Storing documents loose. I cannot stress this enough. The implications in TMA that documents are stored loose — I am going to kill you a second time Gertrude — pains me. Loose documents or bundles of documents should be stored in folders that fit the size of the documents, and then they can placed in boxes, which, hopefully, should also be the right size.
— If documents are taken out for research purposes by a guest, this should be recorded, and once the document is returned to its rightful place, this should also be recorded. That way you know where everything is and if something is missing etc. The place I volunteer at uses two different coloured slips to keep track of this.
— An Archive should be organised, which, we know the Institute’s Archive is not. Again, Gertrude Robinson, I am in your walls. Jonathan is also not off the hook because Good Lord what is that archiving system. I know he isn’t qualified, I know that’s the point, but the Magnus Archive is an academic’s nightmare.
— No animals in the Archive. Look, how Jon treated Martin in season one of TMA is not acceptable in the slightest, however, I think if someone let a dog into the Archive after my new promotion, I too would become a hater. I can hear the Conservators at the Institute crying in their sleep.
— Maintain the right conditions in the Archive. Seriously, humidity, light and temperature are vital in the perseveration of materials. One of my favourite examples my supervisor showed me is a parchment that was breaking down because of the ink used, and this process was halted thanks to the documents being stored correctly. I don’t think TMA ever particularly nods to the Archive’s internal conditions but It’s worth keeping in mind.
— Pests are in fact a threat! A big threat! I would personally flag Jane Prentiss’ worms/larvae up as a potential hazard to the material. Yes, yes, human life is more at threat, but God, think of the stains.
— Honestly, if the Magnus Institute Archive were actually functional as an Archive, the staff should probably get a crash course in how to protect the collections and the Archive from potential supernatural hazards. Even if the supernatural threat to the Archives isn’t clear at first, they’re still likely going to be working close with Artefact Storage, so I feel like a crash course is obligatory at that point.
— Tape recorders only last a few decades, I believe around 30, and that’s if they’re stored correctly. They aren’t really a viable option if you’re thinking of longevity. I know Jon and co don’t really have a choice and the Web is being a prick, but the Web could at least be a considerate prick.
— From a horror perspective, I can understand Jon trying to destroy the table. In fact, based on what he knew, I don’t think it was an entirely stupid move like some would claim (the ADHD impulsivity won out, I understand him), however, if we’re going to speak from a conservation point of view. Do not destroy the collections. Please do not destroy the collections.
— Related to the previous point, please keep open flame away from the documents. I’m looking at you Martin Blackwood. I think it goes without saying that intentional destruction of the documents is the worst thing you could possibly do. The statements of course have historical value, especially the older ones — my face when Martin pulled out one of the letters to Jonah — but more important than that, they play a huge role in the academic study side of things, and in other areas of the institute, such as Artefact Storage and Research. Lets say Martin burned a statement regarding an Artefact, and it was the only statement that gave an idea of what that object or book did, then great news, we have no clue what that thing does now, and trial and error might get someone harmed or even killed! Even if your boss is evil. Keep the fire away.
That’s all I can think of right now, if I think of something else, I’ll add to it.
