If you’re saving a newspaper from this week’s presidential inauguration or other events, the state Division of Archives and History has pointers.
“I recommend making a digital copy for framing, and storing the original,” said Sarah Koonts, head of the Collections Management Branch of the Division of Archives and History, in the Department of Cultural Resources. “Look in your local phone book for a photo lab; they are great places to get oversized images scanned.”
A key in preserving paper is to avoid sources of ultra-violet light, such as sunlight and fluorescent lights, which will discolor newsprint quickly. Stable environmental conditions contribute to the longevity of paper. Attics, basements, and even closets can have poor or changing environmental conditions. Look for storage areas that are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
Keep newspapers away from other sources of poor-quality paper, including cardboard, chipboard or other newspapers. Acidity in poor-quality papers can migrate and discolor nearby papers.
One good option for supporting a stored newspaper would be a good quality mat board used for framing. Acid-free paper and paper made with low levels of wood fiber are considered ideal. Craft stores often stock sheets of good quality mat board, and archival suppliers also sell acid-free boxes.
Other tips:
– Keep paper away from sources of food. Clean hands before handling. Avoid excessive handling if possible.
– Lignin, which is found in wood-based paper, will cause discoloration and will in time cause paper to deteriorate. Low-lignin or lignin-free paper will survive for years.
– Keep magazines away from water sources.
– If possible, have newsprint deacidified prior to storage. Do not use home methods, such as those described in household hint columns.
– Once a newspaper is ready for storage, try and make as few folds as possible. If storage with no folds proves difficult, try to make the fold on the left margin with no center fold.
For more information about protecting newspapers, photos and other home archival materials, call 919-807-7339.