Wyoming
State Archives

Materials printed on paper, such as books, documents and photographs, are subject to deterioration over time. The chief factor in the degradation is the acid in poor quality paper, but poor environmental conditions are also important contributors.

Proper handling and storage can help stop deterioration and extend the life of paper materials. Documents and photographs should be stored in acid-free containers and placed where temperature and humidity levels are stable. Attics, basements and garages are not suitable storage areas.

Here are a few simple rules for handling and storing paper items.

Books

• Handle books only with clean hands.
• Place books upright on shelves. If shelves are not full, use bookends.
• Remove all acidic materials from books such as bookmarks, scraps of paper, pressed flowers, etc.

Documents

• Do not repair documents with glue or pressure-sensitive tape. Most glues and all pressure-sensitive tapes are highly acidic.
• Store documents flat when possible. Do not forcibly flatten tightly curled documents. Doing so can break fibers and weaken the paper.
• Keep documents away from sunlight or fluorescent light. All visible light will eventually damage documents; ultraviolet light will destroy them.
• Do not wrap documents with rubber bands. Over time, rubber will harden and bond to paper.
• Do not use paper clips, staples, straight pins or other metal fasteners to bind documents together, metal will eventually rust.
• Use acid-free folders and boxes rather than wooden or cardboard boxes for storing documents.

Photographs

• Do not store photographs in commercially available Amagnetic@ photo albums. Choose acid-free materials and pages instead.
• Do not store glass-based photographic materials flat or stacked. They should be stored vertically.
• Store negatives and prints in their own individual acid-free envelopes appropriate for the type of film used.

The staff at the Wyoming State Archives can assist you by providing advice on the care and treatment of documents, books and photographs, offering training in conservation procedures and supplying information about vendors of conservation supplies.

The Wyoming State Archives subscribes to the ethical standards in all conservation treatments of its collections as established by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, the Society of American Archivists and other professional organizations.

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