The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 53, December 18, 2005, Article 13

ON STORING FRAGILE ITEMS

George Vanca of Santa Clarita, CA writes: "In regard
to your question about additional points on care and
preservation of one's numismatic library, I have found
the following to be very helpful:

I store much of my material; i.e., thinner card covered
auctions, newsletters, brochures, etc., in Mylar sleeves.
Mylar is of Archival quality and will not turn yellow
with age.

On my most treasured items, I slide an acid free backing
board into the Mylar sleeve. The backing boards I use
have an activated charcoal layer that absorbs and
neutralizes the pollutants associated with (older) paper.

The backing board supports and protects the material,
while at the same time, acting as a buffer.  This is
extremely important, particularly with more valuable
documents.

The charcoal actually helps to retard the aging process
of paper products.  I then store the documents in archival
storage boxes.  When someone looks at my collection, they
can thumb through the boxes examining items within the
Mylar sleeves. This is a nice way to showcase one's more
fragile items, without worrying about fingerprints or
damage occurring from misuse.

This may sound like a lot of work, but when one takes
pride in their collection, they can derive a sense of
satisfaction in knowing that they are preserving these
valuables for future generations.  After all, as
bibliophiles, aren't we caretakers entrusted with a
little piece of history?"

[I have an extensive collection of numismatic ephemera,
and store most of the items in archival sleeves with
archival backing boards.  The sleeves are in three-ring
binders, organized by topic and labeled.  This makes it
very easy to locate and view items while still keeping
them protected.  Last year at the Pittsburgh Library
tour, I put all these binders in cardboard boxes and
set them out on a table for easy access.  After the event,
I ended up lining the boxes across the top of a long row
of bookshelves, with the binder edges facing out, just
like on a bookshelf.   I've toyed with the idea of ordering
custom binders in slipcases, but haven't felt like spending
the money.  My binders are a motley mix of new and used in
various sizes and colors. Not fancy, but it works pretty
well.  The material is safe and sound, and that's what
matters most. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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