---
title: Choosing The Right Environmental Monitoring Device
description: Ensure your museum's artifacts are safeguarded with the right environmental monitor. Learn key factors to consider for accuracy, reliability, ease of use, scalability, and cost.
image: https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/ChooseRightEnvironmentalMonitor2.png
---

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# Choosing The Right Environmental Monitoring Device

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Implementing an environmental monitoring plan for your institution can be daunting with all the options available. We aim to simplify the process by helping you choose the most suitable monitoring devices tailored to your specific needs.

## Things to consider

- ### What do you want to monitor?
  
    - Objects can be highly sensitive to light exposure, changes in temperature and relative humidity
- ### What accuracy do you need?
  
    - Look for devices that have been tested and validated by industry standards, and consider seeking recommendations from other museums or conservation professionals
- ### The device's ease of use and accessibility
  
    - It's important to ensure the data collected can be easily accessed and understood
    - Look for devices with user-friendly interfaces, clear displays, and intuitive software
    - This increases the device's effectiveness and empowers staff with varying technical skills
- ### How data is collected
  
    - Does it require manual downloading?
    - Is it done wirelessly?
    - Some devices even offer remote monitoring, providing real-time updates and alerts, enabling you to respond quickly to environmental changes
- ### Cost and maintenance
  
    - Budget is often the deciding factor when selecting an environmental monitoring device, and you'll want to consider each device from various viewpoints before purchasing
    - When considering the total cost of ownership, consider the initial purchase price, installation costs and ongoing maintenance expenses like recalibration
    - Be sure to consider the human cost of the device as well - how often will a person have to go around and collect the data?

Ultimately, your goal is to ensure the best possible conditions for your collections. You can take a significant step towards achieving this goal by selecting the best environmental monitoring device for your needs. 

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#### For More Information:

- [The Environment: Monitoring Temperature & Relative Humidity](https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/2.-the-environment/2.2-monitoring-temperature-and-relative-humidity) - Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)
- [Comparing Temperature & Relative Humidity Data Loggers for Museum Monitoring](https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/03-03.pdf) - Conserv O Gram, National Park Service (NPS)
- [2022 Environmental Datalogger Quick Comparison Chart](https://ccaha.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2022-07/2022%20Lower-Cost%20Environmental%20Datalogger%20Quick%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf) - Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA)
- [Choosing the Datalogger That Is Right for You](https://connectingtocollections.org/recording-community-webinar-choosing-the-datalogger-that-is-right-for-you/) ▶️ - Connecting to Collections Care, Foundation for Advancement for Conservation (FAIC)
- [Sharing Information about Environmental Monitoring](https://cool.culturalheritage.org/coolaic/sg/bpg/annual/v27/bpga27-15.pdf) - Archives Discussion Group 2008, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)

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### What is Environmental Monitoring? Free Webinar

Join conservator Allison Lewis for this overview to get started monitoring the environment of your institution.

*Originally presented 9/8/22*

[WATCH NOW](https://share.hsforms.com/1nMMk9LvvQke3C4dtPATTgQ2d8u2)

 

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## Related posts

Resources provided here are based on general circumstances. Depending on the condition and significance of your collection, it may require special care.   
Certain actions may cause irreversible damage. When in doubt, [Find an Expert \>](https://community.culturalheritage.org/expertsearch)

### Are we missing something?

If you can't find the information you're looking for, we want to know! [Suggest a Resource \>](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFG5D5S)

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