Preserve Your Books and Manuscripts
Do your favorite books smell like mildew? Are your important documents and newspaper clippings beginning to curl up and discolor? It may be time to think about protecting your favorite works. Here are some simple, cost-effective care and prevention suggestions.
If you have historical documents, the best place to store them is inside an archival acid-free box in a dark closet. Plastic storage bins are not recommended because moisture can become sealed inside and encourage mildew. Storing paper in attics, garages or basements also increases the likelihood of damage from temperature extremes and moisture. Relative humidity in a home above 65% creates a great risk for damaging mold growth. Ideally, temperatures should average 72 degrees or lower and relative humidity should be between 40% and 55%.
To improve the longevity of your books and manuscripts, the most important factors to control are humidity, light and air circulation. Some materials, such as newspapers and other documents created for short-term use, are made from poor quality, highly acidic paper and should be kept separate from other paper materials. Mildew and discoloration can spread from one paper item to another. A simple solution is to buffer damaged pages with sheets of acid-free paper. Special clear PVC-free film folders are also an option.
Light from the sun and even light bulbs can cause changes in the chemical composition of your paper materials. If you have framed documents hanging in your home, consider hanging a copy and storing your original.
Paper matted in a frame often becomes unevenly discolored, since the edges covered by the mat are not exposed to light. If you are hanging your precious diplomas and marriage certificates, you should try to avoid direct sunlight and make sure your mats are acid free.
Solid bookshelves often do not allow for proper air circulation. Books that have little or no visible mildew marks can sometimes be gently shaken outdoors. Be careful not to expose your face to potential flying mold spores. Simply rotating your stock of books, or leaving gaps between them, can often get rid of minor odors. If you see substantial mold on your important books or documents, consider consulting a professional conservator.
Look for acid-free boxes and mats in craft and photography supply stores. Companies such as Light Impressions, Hollinger and Metal Edge sell museum-quality archive materials on their websites; they can also send you free catalogs. Take the time to regularly inspect your books, manuscripts and other works on paper. If you do all you can to minimize damage now, you will save your books and works on paper for generations to come.
For more information about preserving documents, contact Jennifer Kozik, Collections and Exhibits Manager at the Washington County Historical Society & Museum, (503) 645-5353.
References
Duckett, Kenneth W. (1975) “Modern Manuscripts; A Practical Manual for their Management, Care and Use,” USA: American Association for State and Local History, 86-112.
Plenderleith, H.J. & A.E.A. Werner (1979) “The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art; Treatment Repair and Restoration,” Oxford, Great Britain: University Press, 44-99.
Schultz Arthur W., ed. (1992) “Caring for Your Collections.” New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Incorporated, 40-63.
http://www.lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/careothr.html
Library of Congress Preservation
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/presfaq.html
Library of Congress Preservation
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/speccolls/rbm/faq/preserveFAQs.htm
Penn State preservation and conservation for rare books and manuscripts
