Newspapers from about the mid-19th century onwards are usually printed on inexpensive, machine-made, wood pulp paper that was not manufactured for longevity. Due to the inherent chemical instabilities of such low-quality wood pulp papers, these papers are inherently acidic.
A combination of good storage methods and the right environmental conditions can significantly prolong the life and usability of newspapers. Focusing preservation efforts on storage and environment is a cost-effective way to prevent damage that can occur from aging, chemical degradation, and physical stress to the structure of the newspaper.
Good storage is especially critical to the preservation of any acidic papers, but the following guidelines can apply to all newspapers:
The following guidance should be used in determining the best options for storage furniture. All shelving should be large enough to provide full support for boxes and collection items. Shelving should also be stable, level, and preferably six inches above ground in case of flooding.
Flat File Drawers. These drawer units provide a good storage solution for over-sized flat items such as newspapers, architectural drawings, maps, and posters. Items should be housed within folders or storage mats for protection and ease of labeling and access. Ideally these drawer units should be powder-coated steel.
Shelving Units. If shelving units are used for newspaper storage, all items should be in folders or boxes (see recommendations below). Ideally shelves should be chrome or powder-coated metal with a solid shelf base. If you need to use old shelving that does not follow recommended specifications, adaptations can be made. Shelves can be lined with acid-free, lignin-free board; this will help create a barrier from wood or poor-quality paint as well as provide a solid base if the shelves are wire racks.
For more detailed information on storage materials and techniques use the following resources:
Below is a general list of types of enclosures and materials needed to create a good protective enclosure. When choosing paper-based housing materials for newsprint, all paper and board should be acid-free, lignin-free, and preferably buffered. The video at the bottom of this page provides an excellent how-to guide on using these materials to create a safe, custom enclosure for your newspapers.
Boxes should be flat with lids the same depth as the base. Boxes can be purchased in standard sizes (18 x 24 x 2.5 inches or 24 x 30 x 2.5 inches) and inserts can be made from acid- and lignin-free, buffered cardstock to customize the interior size to that of the newspaper. It is best not to load boxes to their maximum capacity; paper in stacks have weight which can cause injuries to someone trying to lift the box or cause the box itself to tear if loaded too heavy. Newspapers may feel light individually, but stacked together, they become much heavier.
Newspapers should be stacked neatly in chronological order for boxing. Clearly label the box with the title(s) and range of dates contained within, attach a list of missing issues to the inside of the lid and prepare a finding aid that fully lists the titles and issues. This will prevent unnecessary handling and prolong the life of the newspapers.
Board Setting. This can be created using stiff, corrugated boards for sandwiching small, neat stacks of newspaper between preservation-quality boards and securing the sandwich with broad strips of poly strapping or strips of book cloth fastened together. Label the bundles following the same protocol for labeling boxes.
Buffered folders. Physical newspapers that are not used (e.g., because the paper has been preservation microfilmed, see below) can be more economically stored wrapped and bundled in a sturdy acid- and lignin-free buffered paper. Board-setting (see above) can provide further protection and support. Label the bundles following the same protocol for labeling boxes.
Plastics. Clear polyester sleeves can be useful for clippings and papers that have been deacidified by a conservator. Clear plastic sleeves are particularly useful for pages and clipping that are frequently handled or that have old tape residue on the surface. Plastic sleeves should be made from polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene.
Note that there are some disadvantages to plastic sleeves. They carry a static charge that can damage brittle newspapers; do not have an alkaline buffer, which provides a desirable neutralizing effect on acids in paper; and add considerable weight and bulk to storage. Even a sheet of buffered, uncolored paper or mat board wrapped around the newspaper can provide added support at relatively low cost.
