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Archiver > WHITNEY > 2003-01 > 1043382177


From:
Subject: Re: [WHITNEY-L] preserving documents - OT
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 23:22:58 EST


Hi Jo:

Ginny, the former Library Director has the following instructions.

First, the document needs to be hydrated. Place it on a screen that is four
or five inches above a pan of water and leave it there for several days.
Then remove the screen (dump the pan) and let it dry with a weight on it if
you want. The moisture needs to go down, not up. Place the screen on some
paper towels and then put waxed paper over it before placing your
encyclopedia or whatever on top.

Next, try to find a source for some de-acidifying spray -- perhaps your local
or nearby university library. Spray moderately on the document, in a WELL
ventilated place -- Ginny and her staff usually took it outside. Let that
dry, and then place in some kind of acid-free container -- a big envelope, a
folder, a box with other documents that you have treated in the same way.
You can ask the same source (library?) where to purchase the acid free
storage container. Store it away from light, which can also cause
deterioration over time.

DO NOT LAMINATE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Good Luck.

Allan

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