Scrapbooks: How To Preserve and Protect Treasured Memories

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¡ãF drop in temperature. A temperature range from 65¡ã to 70¡ãF and a relative humidity of 45% with a daily flucuation of only ¡À3% 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.

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