STEPS IN CONSERVATION

1. Record acquisition
2. Assessment - what action is needed?
3. Remove staples, paper clips, tape, backings
4. Clean
5. Repair
6. Deacidify
7. Encapsulate
8. Select storage/display conditions

1. Record Acquisition
· documents, books, etc- should be logged in file system or computer database;
· Record any information that might later be helpful in accessing (e.g., title, author, etc.)
· Record condition in which item was received;
· Note any known history of items, including groups or events involved, and donor;


2. Assessment
· Examine the document for:
· Staples & paper clips;
· Tape and backings;
· Dirt and stains;
· Tears and folds;
· Yellowing and brittleness


3. Remove Staples & Backings
· Remove staples by bending up and clipping off ends; do not use office staple remover;
· Remove paper clips, replace with acid-free plastic clips;
· Remove paper or cardboard backings, if possible - they will often be acidic;
· Remove adhesive tape; if possible, residue comes off with toluene.


4. Document Cleaning
· Do not use common erasers;
· Surface dirt can be removed with document cleaning powder. Be careful not to remove pencil marks that might be wanted; Most stains cannot be removed without damaging the document.


5. Document Repair
· Do not use adhesive ( " Scotch " ) tape to repair tears in paper documents and books;
· Avoid using materials that require solvents for removal - solvents may attack inks;
· Archival quality repair tapes are available that are water reversible;
· Tissue repair gives nearly invisible results.


6. Most paper made in the last 80-100 years contains acids that will cause deterioration; acids cause paper to turn brown and brittle, so treat darkest documents & books first;
Indicator pens can show acidity in paper but will leave a small, permanent stain; if testing, use a small area first to be sure it will not be affected by treatment.

WeiTo
- Uses flammable solvents, may attack some inks;
- Clogs spray nozzles;
- Less expensive;
- Treatment may penetrate better.

Homemade recipes also available, but are unproven

7. Encapsulation
· Use only archival quality, acid-free materials;
· Seal seams with double-sided tape or use heat sealer;
· Leave small air gap in seal - do not seal around document;
· Use open top Mylar envelopes for multi-page documents such as newsletters.

8. Storage/Display Conditions
· Choose storage and display conditions appropriate to the age, condition and rarity of
the document or book.



Don't forget Security!!!