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°F drop in temperature. A temperature range from 65° to

70°F and a relative humidity of 45% with a daily flucuation of

only ±3% 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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