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Scrapbooks: How To Preserve and Protect Treasured Memories
By Adam Daniels
Scrapbooks have been a common way of preserving not only
photographs, but also newspaper clippings, pamphlets, documents,
and other assorted items. Unfortunately, the impulse to save is
frequently carried out with techniques and materials that are
both detrimental and contrary to the collector's initial
intention of long-term preservation.
Although every scrapbook is a unique collection arranged by the
compiler, scrapbooks as a group exhibit some common
characteristics. Album and scrapbook pages are almost
universally made of poor-quality paper that deteriorates rapidly
and may become stained and embrittled with time.
The binding structure of albums is usually unable to adjust to
the bulge caused by the materials the albums contain. Plastics
used in modern photograph albums and scrapbooks are often
unstable and, therefore, damaging. Items are frequently attached
to the pages of scrapbooks and albums with harmful tapes or
adhesives.
Multi- paged letters or pamphlets may be fastened only by the
last sheet; documents may be folded; and written notations may
span the pages and the enclosed artifacts. Scrapbooks often
contain a diversity of materials such as locks of hair, ribbons,
badges, pressed flowers, and other three-dimensional objects.
All of these features make scrapbooks and albums vulnerable to
damage.
ENVIRONMENT
Although museums, archives, and libraries cannot alter the
inherent characteristics of scrapbooks without conservation
treatment, they can extend their useful lives by controlling the
environment in which they are kept and the manner in which they
are stored and handled.
Conservation scientists have estimated (based on accelerated
aging tests) that the useful life span of paper doubles for
every 10°F drop in temperature. A temperature range from 65° to
70°F and a relative humidity of 45% with a daily flucuation of
only ±3% are acceptable for a wide variety of materials.
These moderate conditions facilitate preservation and are are
reasonably economical. This range inhibits mold growth but does
not encourage desiccation from an overly dry environment. Air
circulation and filtration are also important elements in the
control of the physical environment.
Scrapbooks and other archival materials must be protected from
excessive exposure to both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light,
while being stored, used, and exhibited. The most significant
source of UV radiation is natural light. Fluorescent tubes also
emit UV rays. Curtains, shades, or filters will greatly reduce
light damage. Good housekeeping practices discourage pest
infestation and establish the proper impression for visitors.
Food and drink should never be permitted in storage, processing,
exhibition, or reading areas.
All environmental conditions must be monitored on a regular
schedule so adverse conditions can be discovered and corrected.
PHYSICAL STORAGE AND SHELVING
The physical storage requirements of scrapbooks and albums vary,
depending on their size and condition. Storing small and
medium-sized volumes upright on open shelves next to volumes of
similar size will discourage warping of covers and distortion of
pages. If necessary, scrapbooks may be integrated with archival
materials in document boxes or folders but they should be
separated from direct contact with otherwise unprotected
materials. Volumes in boxes should be stored spine down,
adjacent to materials of similar size.
Scrapbooks with weak covers or those with covers attached by
strings looped through the pages should be tied together with
unbleached linen or cotton tape. The bow knot should be
positioned at the foredge to prevent interference while shelving
or indentations on the cover caused by pressure.
Better protection for scrapbooks and albums is provided by
wrapping them with acid-free paper and storing them in a
protective box. Acid-free or archival-quality paper and boxes
can be purchased in standard sizes from archival supply houses
or can be custom made. Wrapping or boxing scrapbooks also
protects against deterioration caused by airborne pollutants,
which are especially harmful to paper and photographic prints.
Slipcases are not recommended for the storage of albums because
they cause abrasion every time the album is slipped in and out
of the case and because they expose spines to light and dust
damage.
Oversize scrapbooks should be stored flat and fully supported on
open shelves; if they are allowed to extend beyond the edge of
the shelf, the books will become distorted. Flat storage for
oversize volumes also provides better protection for artifacts
that might be loosely attached to the pages. Map cases also
provide acceptable storage for scrapbooks.
HANDLING, TREATMENT, AND REFORMATTING
The reason to collect and preserve scrapbooks is to provide
readers with access to their content. The best method for
preventing damage from use is to limit use as much as possible.
If the condition of the original volume permits reformatting,
handling can be reduced by providing readers with a photocopy or
microfilm. In choosing between these options several factors
must be considered. These include the intended use of the copy
and the size, format, and condition of the scrapbook and its
content.
When handling scrapbooks carefully support the binding and the
pages. Brittle pages can break, items can easily become detached
or torn, and bindings can also break. When photocopying, avoid
applying any force that could damage mounted items or the
binding structure. It is always best to wear white cotton gloves
while handling scrapbooks, especially if they contain
photographic materials.
Although some scrapbook pages can be interleaved with
archival-quality paper, most bindings will not accommodate the
bulk added by protective sheets. If interleaving is required to
protect the contents of a scrapbook, disbinding may be required.
Loose sheets can then be boxed.
CONCLUSION
Some scrapbooks are temporary curiosities and should be
considered expendable. Technical and financial concerns must be
balanced against the value of a scrapbook for research or
exhibition purposes or both. Proper storage and handling will
extend its existence.
About the Author
Adam Daniels offers a Free Video on Scrapbooking. Watch the video at
http://www.scrapbookprofit.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/18248.html
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