Paper Preservation Continued

         In previous blog posts I’ve talked about the main causative factors in paper deterioration – at least the causes that we can control to some degree. The ones we talked about are dust and dirt, pests, light, uncontrolled changes in temperature and humidity.  Even an individual can mitigate paper deterioration by being aware of these causes..  Archives have even more control although some are better at it than others.  Having adequate funding and administrative support helps.

         Anyway there are some other variables leading to deterioration.  One particular destructive agent is people.  We can tear paper, leave marks on it, dog ear the corners, fold it.  If our hands aren’t clean, and even if they are, we can leave oil residue on paper. Some simple rules can help mitigate the damage human handling can cause.  Mostly this relates to archives and museums, but some rules are relevant to paper handling at home too.

         The most important rule in dealing with collections I’ve mentioned before I think.  Nothing should be done to any object including paper that is not reversible.  The rest of the rules arise from that one overarching concern.

 

Fragile envelope from the Sayles Collection, Rupert Richardson Research Center for the Southwest,
Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas

1.     Most common in a rules list is that only pencils are allowed in the reading room.  Even if you are careful, you could leave stray, non-removable marks if you use an ink pen.  Of course now with computers, that is less of an issue, but sometimes you have to make notes on paper or the staff does.  Do it in pencil.

2.     No food or drink around collections.  Even if you are careful you can get some of your peanut butter sandwich or spill your drink by accident onto the collection you are studying.  Not good.  Most archives don’t allow food or drink in their reading rooms.  Some limit drinks to water.  Nothing around collections is best.  Take a break and go eat somewhere else because accidents happen no matter how careful you are.

3.     The information on valuable and rare papers can be copied or scanned so that the original isn’t subjected to extensive use.  For most research it is the information that is important for study so a copy is all that is needed. 

4.     Many places require the use of clean white gloves when handling some types of objects – photographs, for instance.  This can be a little controversial because using gloves reduces your fine motor movements. Personally I use gloves for photographs and other paper that is thicker, but if I’m going to cause more damage trying to pick up paper with gloves on, I take them off.  Just remember if whatever you are touching is important or valuable, wash your hands first.

5.     Archives generally use plastic paper clips, not metal ones.  Metal paperclips and staples can rust over time.  When encountered most archives will replace the clips although this activity is changing.  If the goal is to have the collection accessible to the public fast than replacing paperclips is not always done.  I do replace them, but I generally leave staples alone unless they are quite rusty and easy to remove.

6.     Large items or even small fragile ones should be carried on a support, not by the paper itself.  Always use two hands.  Large items may require two people or a cart just to avoid any chance of damage.

7.     Archives never, ever use scotchtape or masking tape or any other tape for repair of tears.  Most adhesives have chemicals, acid based usually.  Repair is the work of a trained person usually a paper conservator.  Remember don’t do anything that can’t be reversed. Often it’s better to do nothing.

  Next time we’ll talk about the one time that you can mark paper or other objects and how to do it.