Introduction
Old newspapers are more than just stacks of aging paper; they are windows into the past, capturing moments in history, offering insights into societal changes, and providing a unique glimpse into how people once lived and thought. Whether you are a collector, historian, or simply someone with a deep appreciation for these relics of the past, preserving old newspapers is essential for maintaining their historical and sentimental value. Unfortunately, newspapers are printed on low-quality paper, which tends to deteriorate quickly if not stored or handled properly. However, with the right care and attention, you can protect old newspapers and ensure they last for generations to come.
This blog post provides a comprehensive guide on how to protect old newspapers. We will explore various factors that contribute to newspaper degradation, offer practical tips for preservation, and discuss long-term storage options to safeguard your collection.
Understanding Old Newspapers Degradation
Before diving into the preservation methods, it’s important to understand why old newspapers degrade over time. Newspapers are printed on newsprint, a type of paper made from wood pulp. Newsprint is designed to be cheap and disposable, as newspapers are meant for short-term use. The primary issue with newsprint is its high acidity. The acids in the paper cause it to become brittle, yellow, and prone to crumbling over time. Exposure to environmental factors such as light, heat, humidity, and pollutants accelerates this degradation process.
Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the biggest threats to old newspapers. Prolonged exposure to light can cause the paper to fade and become brittle, making it more susceptible to damage.
Temperature And Humidity: Fluctuating temperatures and high humidity levels can lead to the growth of mold and mildew on old newspapers. Additionally, changes in humidity can cause the paper to expand and contract, leading to warping and cracking.
Air Quality: Dust, dirt, and pollutants in the air can settle on old newspapers, causing them to deteriorate faster. These contaminants can also attract pests like insects and rodents, which can further damage the paper.
Handling: Frequent handling of old newspapers can cause wear and tear, especially if the paper is already fragile. The oils and dirt on our hands can transfer to the paper, speeding up the degradation process.
With these factors in mind, it’s clear that protecting old newspapers requires a combination of proper storage, careful handling, and environmental control. Let’s explore some of the best practices for preserving these valuable pieces of history.
Proper Handling Techniques
One of the simplest yet most important ways to protect old newspapers is by handling them with care. Even the most carefully stored newspaper can become damaged if mishandled. Here are some key guidelines for safely handling old newspapers.
When you handle old newspapers, it is essential to do so with clean hands. Wash your hands thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or lotions that could transfer to the paper. Better yet, consider wearing white cotton gloves while handling old newspapers to minimize the risk of damage.
When lifting or moving old newspapers, always support them from underneath. If the paper is particularly fragile, use a flat support like a piece of acid-free cardboard to prevent the newspaper from bending or tearing. It’s important to avoid folding or creasing old newspapers, as this can weaken the paper and cause it to break along the fold lines over time.
Never use paper clips, rubber bands, or adhesive materials like tape or glue to hold old newspapers together. These materials can cause irreversible damage to the paper. Instead, store newspapers flat and separated, which we will discuss in more detail in the following sections.
Limit the amount of time old newspapers are exposed to light and air while being handled. If you need to display them for research or reference, do so in short intervals and avoid leaving them out in direct sunlight.
The Importance Of Environmental Control
Environmental conditions play a crucial role in the preservation of old newspapers. By controlling factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure, you can significantly slow down the degradation process. Here are some tips for maintaining an optimal environment for newspaper preservation.
Ideally, old newspapers should be stored in a cool, dark environment. The temperature should be kept consistent, preferably between 65°F and 70°F (18°C to 21°C). Avoid storing newspapers in areas where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as attics, basements, or near heating vents. A constant temperature reduces the risk of warping, cracking, and mold growth.
High humidity levels (above 60%) can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, while low humidity levels can cause the paper to become brittle. Aim to keep the relative humidity between 30% and 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in the storage area and consider using a dehumidifier in more humid environments.
As mentioned earlier, UV light causes newspapers to fade and become brittle over time. To protect old newspapers from light damage, store them in a dark place or cover them with light-blocking materials. If you need to display them, consider using UV-filtering glass or plastic to minimize exposure.
Air pollutants such as dust, dirt, and smoke can cause newspapers to degrade more quickly. To reduce exposure to pollutants, store old newspapers in clean, enclosed spaces. Avoid smoking, using candles, or burning incense near your newspaper collection, as the particles and chemicals from these activities can settle on the paper and cause damage.
Acid-Free Materials And Archival Storage
One of the most effective ways to protect old newspapers is to store them in archival-quality materials. These materials are designed to be acid-free, lignin-free, and chemically stable, ensuring that they won’t contribute to the degradation of the paper over time. Here are some key archival storage options.
When storing old newspapers, use acid-free folders or envelopes to keep them protected. Acid-free materials are essential because they prevent the transfer of harmful acids to the newspaper. Make sure the folders are large enough to store the newspaper flat without folding or creasing the pages. Once stored in folders, newspapers can be placed in archival-quality storage boxes. These boxes are made from acid-free, buffered cardboard that provides protection from dust, light, and pollutants. Be sure to label the boxes for easy identification and access.
If you prefer to display your old newspapers, consider using acid-free frames with UV-filtering glass or acrylic. These materials offer protection from light and environmental pollutants while allowing you to showcase your collection. Be sure to keep framed newspapers out of direct sunlight and rotate them periodically to prevent long-term light exposure.
Another option for storing old newspapers is encapsulation. Encapsulation involves placing the newspaper between two sheets of inert polyester film, such as Mylar. This method provides physical support to the newspaper while protecting it from dust, dirt, and handling. Encapsulation is a reversible process, meaning you can remove the newspaper from the protective enclosure if needed.
Avoid using plastic materials such as PVC or regular plastic sleeves for storing old newspapers, as these materials can release harmful chemicals that accelerate the degradation process. Always opt for archival-grade plastic or polyester.
Flattening And Deacidification Techniques
If you are dealing with old newspapers that have been folded or creased, you may want to consider flattening them to reduce the risk of further damage. Flattening should be done with caution, as aggressive methods can cause the paper to tear or break. Here’s how to safely flatten old newspapers.
Begin by gently unfolding the newspaper, taking care not to force the paper if it feels brittle. If the paper resists unfolding, consider placing it in a humidified environment for a short period to relax the fibers. You can create a humidification chamber using a plastic container with a small amount of distilled water at the bottom. Place the newspaper on a mesh platform above the water, making sure it does not come into direct contact with the water. After a few hours, the paper should become more pliable, allowing you to safely unfold it.
Once the newspaper is unfolded, place it between two sheets of acid-free blotting paper and weigh it down with a heavy, flat object such as a book or a board. Leave the newspaper in this position for several days until it is completely flat. Be sure to check the newspaper periodically to ensure that no moisture or mold has formed.
Deacidification is another preservation technique that can help extend the life of old newspapers. This process involves neutralizing the acids in the paper to prevent further degradation. There are deacidification sprays available that can be applied to the surface of the newspaper, but it’s essential to use these products with caution. Deacidification should be reserved for newspapers that are particularly valuable or at risk of rapid deterioration. If you are unsure about the process, it’s best to consult a professional conservator.
Digital Preservation: Scanning And Archiving
In addition to preserving physical copies of old newspapers, digital preservation is an increasingly popular method for protecting and sharing historical documents. By scanning and archiving old newspapers, you can create digital copies that are immune to the physical degradation that affects paper. Here are some steps to consider when digitizing old newspapers.
Before scanning, ensure that the newspaper is in good condition. If the paper is too brittle or fragile to handle, you may want to consider professional digitization services. Carefully scan each page at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) to capture all the details and text. Be sure to scan both sides of the page, as newspapers are often printed on both the front and back.
Once scanned, organize the digital files into a logical structure. Label each file with the date, title, and other relevant information to make it easy to navigate your digital archive. Save the files in a format that preserves the quality of the images, such as TIFF or PDF.
Store your digital files in multiple locations to ensure their longevity. External hard drives, cloud storage, and archival-quality DVDs are all good options for backing up your digital newspaper collection. Regularly check the condition of your digital files and update them as technology changes to avoid obsolescence.
Digital preservation allows you to share your newspaper collection with a wider audience while reducing the need for frequent handling of the original copies. By creating digital backups, you can protect your newspapers from physical wear and tear while ensuring that the information they contain remains accessible for future generations.
Long-Term Preservation And Conservation
For newspapers that hold significant historical or sentimental value, professional conservation may be necessary. Conservators are trained to handle delicate and damaged documents and can provide specialized treatments to stabilize old newspapers. If your newspapers are severely deteriorated or have suffered damage from mold, pests, or water, it’s best to consult a conservator before attempting any repairs on your own.
Conclusion
In addition to conservation treatments, long-term storage solutions such as climate-controlled archives or museum-quality storage facilities can offer added protection for valuable newspaper collections. These facilities are designed to maintain optimal environmental conditions and provide the highest level of care for fragile materials.
Protecting old newspapers is a rewarding but delicate task that requires a combination of proper handling, environmental control, and archival storage. By taking steps to safeguard your collection, you can ensure that these historical documents are preserved for future generations to enjoy and study. Whether through physical preservation methods or digital archiving, the care you invest in protecting old newspapers will help keep the stories of the past alive for years to come.