Resource Information for Conservation and Preservation

The following list provides information on a number of paper-based items; however, many people ask about proper care and preservation of three-dimensional objects. The last section gives attention to these by directing inquirers to a series of publications available online from the National Park Service.

Newspapers

Library of Congress
Handy seven page article providing useful tips of care and storage. Includes references.
http://lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/care/newspap.html

Photographs

Ask an Expert: Preserving Your Photographs: Windows to the Past
A web site article prepared by the Minnesota Historical Society
Conservation Outreach Program
345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102-1906
(615) 297-1867; 1 (800) 657-3773
conservationhelp@mnhs.org

Library of Congress
Care, Handling, and Storage of Photographs Information Leaflet
A fourteen-page article covering many aspects of care, handling and storage. Includes information on a variety of photo formats and types.
http://lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/care/photolea.html

National Park Service
Conserve O Gram series
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/cons_toc.html

Scrapbooks

Scrapbook Preservation Society
http://ScrapbookPreservationSociety.com/

General Information

National Archives and Records Administration
NARA has preservation information on its web site. There is a section called,
Caring for Your Family Archives
http://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/

Other
Relaxing and Flattening Paper by Humidification
Article by Mary Todd Glaser, Director of Paper Conservation
Northeast Document Conservation Center
http://www.nedcc.org/plam3/tleaf64.htm

Archeological objects, Ceramics, Glass, Plaster, Textiles, Metal, Furniture and Wood, Stone

National Park Service
Conserve O Grams
The National Park Service (NPS) is entrusted with the care and preservation of an extensive and diverse collection of museum objects.  Conserve O Grams are a series of technical leaflets produced for NPS staff responsible for the care of museum collections. They cover a wide array of subjects and may be useful for individuals who wish information on the care of their own possessions.
http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/cons_toc.html
In addition, NPS provides an online Museum Handbook in three parts: collections, records and collections use.http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/handbook.html

Note: This is a partial list of resources available for information concerning the care and preservation of documents and photographs. The information is provided as a service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any organization, agency, web site or product.

In some cases, consultation with a professional conservator is the best course of action to follow. This is an individual choice and a decision to work with a conservator should be made after careful consideration of one’s goals for an object. A conservator’s qualifications, experience, professional associations, and fees are just a few criteria that a consumer should evaluate during the selection process. There are professional associations available that assist individuals in matching their needs with appropriate expertise.

Prepared by Keith Schrum, Curator of Books and Manuscripts
History Colorado , Denver, Colorado
May 2008