* Storing Documents

[royp]

I have a number of old documents that I am in the process of scanning, What would be the best way to look at and protect the originals. I was thinking A3 sleeves and a backing sheet of some-sort. I also have some parish news booklets too. All advise appreciated.

RoyP

[Jane]

Make sure you purchase "Archival" standard folders, to ensure the plastics have no nasty chemicals to damage the paper.

My History do a good range, but Museum/Library suppliers are also a good bet.

[dewilkinson]

I purchased 'Archival' quality A3 sleeves and binders from My History to store them in and I am confident my documents are well preserved. I also got specially sized sleeves and binders for storing certificates in. The binders need to be stored flat, in a damp free environment and in the dark, and my binders are in a large drawer in my study. The only real risk is fire, but I haven't invested in what would have to be a large fire proof safe. I also use acid free paper for printing items I wish to store. I am pleased with what My History provided.

[Russell]

And following on from the above comments, never be tempted to laminate original documents. The sleeves are not of archival quality and can never be removed

If you have a fragile document, talk to one of the conservators at your local Record Office before taking any action.

[Gowermick]

Not forgetting that sellotape should NEVER, EVER be used.

[royp]

Many thanks for all your input regarding the document storage. I will purchase said acid free sleeves etc. I do have a few odd size documents that will not fit nicely into a sleeve. is there a way of ..... to use the word STICK them to a card base and not cause damage.... or is the 'hold' it there by friction, the only alternative

[Gowermick]

You could try rolling them, and store them in an appropriate largish sized tube.

[royp]

I know that stamp collector use sticky mounts, is anything like this advisable.

[Gowermick]

Roy,
Serious stamp collectors stopped using them, because even they caused damage to the back of the stamps, especially Mint ones.
Personally, I wouldnt risk sticking anything on any of my original documents!

[SunnyLady]

If you have copies (digital and printed out) please ask yourself if any of the original documents should be deposited at the local records office. They will be preserved and conserved - if you need to you can restrict access. I’ve lodged some things with mine and was welcomed with open arms (including things I didn’t think they would be interested in), and means I can get to them without the worry of conserving them myself. They commented that they wished others had done the same. I wish a 3rd cousin had deposited documents he showed me. Whilst I’ve got brief notes (too brief in hindsight), he wouldn’t let me copy them and he couldn’t be bothered - after a combination of a house fire, his demise and uninterested children these have all been destroyed, and it’s what prompted me to talk to my local records office.