Care
- Use clean hands and a clean, large work table on to handle the newspaper
- Keep the newspaper flat and fully supported on the table during use
- Avoid food and drink while handling
- Do not fold a newspaper back on itself
- Refold a paper using the original center fold and with the edges neatly aligned
- Do not use paper clips, inserts, rubber bands, self-adhesive tape, or glue on the materials.
Storage
Newspapers from the mid-19th century onwards are printed on inexpensive, machine-made, wood pulp paper that was not intended for long-term circulation and is inherently acidic.
- A cool (room temperature or below), relatively dry (about 35% relative humidity), clean, and stable environment (avoid attics, basements, and other locations witha high risk of leaks and environmental extremes)
- Minimal exposure to all kinds of light; no exposure to direct or intense light
- Distance from radiators and vents
- Supportive protective enclosures; binding of newspapers is not recommended
- Flat storage
Supportive protective enclosures include
- acid- and lignin-free buffered folders, flat boxes with lids the same depth as the base, and stiff boards for “board-setting” (layering stacks between preservation boards and securing them with broad strips of book cloth fastened together)
- Clear polyester sleeves, which can store clippings and papers that have been deacidified by a conservator. But note that polyester sleeves carry a static charge that can damage brittle newspapers, do not have an alkaline buffer, and add considerable weight and bulk to storage.
For materials that are used frequently
- Store in acid- or lignin-free flat boxes with the lid the same depth as the base
- Boxes can be purchased in standard sizes, then used with inserts made from acid- and lignin-free buffered cardstock to fit the interior size of the box to that of the newspaper. size
- Stack newspapers neatly in chronological order for boxing and prepare a finding aid that fully lists the titles and issues.
- Label the box with the title(s) and range of dates contained within and attach a list of issues missing from the box to the inside of the lid to prevent unnecessary handling.