Tips on Preservation and Conservation ~

Preservation and Conservation
of Your Archival Materials


Wendy Sistrunk
International Librarian/Archives Chair

AVOID

·         Laminate
·         Rolling or folding photos
·         Folding paper
·         Rubber cement, glue
·         Tape
·         Metal (staples, paper clips)
·         Acidic paper (newspaper, colored paper)
·         Cheap scrapbook albums/magnetic photo albums
·         Ball-point pen / Inkjet printers
·         Direct sunlight/fluorescent lights
·         Moisture/dryness
           o   Recommended: no higher than 70° and between 30% and 50% humidity
·         Vermin

SOLUTIONS

·         Photocopy newspapers
·         Unfold letters, documents, etc.
·         Back up digital files with “analog” (print out)
..    Use less intrusive means of attaching documents and pictures (e.g., mounting corners)
·         Mildew on books: 
    o   Remove any residual moisture (fan, airing out) and leave overnight - set books on their spine and fan open pages
    o   Place inside plastic receptacle (or bag or pan) and place inside a larger plastic bag
    o   In smaller bag, dump several boxes of baking soda or potpourri
    o   Seal larger bag and let stand enclosed for several days                                                                                                                       

PRODUCTS

·         Folders
·         Clear sleeves
·         Archival boxes
·         Picture mounting corners
·         Plastic storage bins

 
Sources:

Gaylord Archival Products
Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)