All of us own
books, periodicals, photographs, maps, certificates and various papers of
sentimental, intellectual or family interest, some of monetary value. We may
wish to keep these just for record purposes or to hand them down within the
family.
Here are some suggestions for keeping them in good condition.
The factor, which most influences the longevity
of paper, bookbindings, etc., is mechanical damage from usage and mishandling.
Every time you handle a document you shorten its life just a little; handle it
roughly and you shorten it a lot.
Overpacked shelves reduce air circulation and encourage excessive tugging on
spines to remove a book. Large volumes may benefit from being laid on their
sides.
Avoid folding papers if possible; fold only once if you must.
Keep smaller items together in good quality envelopes and folders.
Consider the possible harm, which could result from framing a valued item:
would a copy do just as well?
Do not use self adhesive tapes or pads on anything you wish to keep.
Light,
especially direct sunlight, may cause fading of inks and photo-chemical
deterioration of paper. Photographs are particularly susceptible to this kind
of damage.
Suggestions:
Temperature
and humidity (the water content of the air) are related. Heat accelerates
chemical processes within paper and leather especially in moist conditions.
Excess moisture encourages fungal growth and may weaken adhesives or cause
staining. Too little moisture makes paper, leather and parchment shrink and
become brittle and distorted. The boards of a book may warp so badly that they
tear away from the text block.
These are recommended levels of humidity (55%-65%) and temperature 13�-18�C for
storage of archives but they are difficult to maintain in the home.
Suggestions:
Rats,
mice and some insects can damage archival materials. Dust and dirt encourage
growth of mould and insect infestation. Dust also contains aerial pollutants
from combustion of fossil fuels. The sulphur reacts with moisture to produce
weak but persistent sulphuric acid. Acids will degrade all materials. Dust and
soot from domestic fires is also harmful. The acidic grease from your fingers
will permanently disfigure photographs, negatives and the corners of pages.
Articles in contact with items of a poorer quality will be affected by them:
acid migration from a cheap folder may affect even the best quality paper;
photographs stored in albums of poor quality may tarnish and discolour.
Suggestions:
Photograph albums with polyester pockets are far
superior to �sticky back� varieties. Traditional photo-corners are fine if the
page is of good quality.
Negatives should be stored in sleeves and placed in an envelope or folder; they
are an original and irreplaceable item. Use pencil to write on the backs of
prints. Avoid touching the face of prints and do not touch negatives, transparencies
or plates except by the edges.
If you have any enquiries regarding the safekeeping and repair of your books
and records. We recommend you contact either:
The
suggestions in this article are meant as guidelines and Beckham Books
cannot accept responsibility for any damage incurred as a result of the advice
given.