If you missed our popular webinar on document preservation with cultural heritage professional Rebecca Elder, you're in luck! The recording is now available!
Topics We Discussed
How & Why Paper Deteriorates
The best way to predict how paper will deteriorate is to know how it was created. Rebecca provides a brief history of paper-making, including the materials used, and reviews the chemical processes that cause the deterioration of paper materials.
Storage
What should you look for when purchasing archival storage materials? What types of plastic are safe for document storage? Rebecca reviews the definitions of acid-free, lignin-free and alkaline-buffered materials and the best storage options based on the quantity and size of your documents.
Handling Tips
Should you handle documents with or without gloves? Rebecca discusses how to handle fragile documents safely.
Originally presented 9/7/23
Rebecca's Favorite Preservation Resources:
- Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) Preservation Leaflets - Well-regarded brief readings on a wide range of preservation topics created by a large regional conservation center.
- National Park Service (NPS) Conserve-o-Grams - Short leaflets on the care of museum objects, including many specific topics.
- National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) Tips for Preserving Your Family Treasures - This resource provides easy tips for caring for family treasures, created by Smithsonian professionals.
- American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Caring for Your Belongings - Brief readings on caring for family treasures created by the professional association for conservators.
Gaylord Archival®
Guide to Collections Care
Written by conservators, our illustrated primer covers the proper handling and storage of paper, photographs, textiles and books. This guide also includes the introduction to book repair featured in our Bookcraft Book Repair Guide.