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)
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)