Padgett Messages Preservation Project
The Library of Congress says:
* Fibers made of cellulose chains degrade when exposed to an acidic environment. In this acid hydrolysis reaction, cellulose chains are repeatedly split into smaller fragments so long as the source of acid remains in paper. This acid hydrolysis reaction produces more acid in the process, and the degradation accelerates in a downward spiral.
The Padgett Messages are falling apart and disintegrating from within. If they are not treated soon they will turn to dust and be forever lost to the world.
We are forming a committee to assist in this project, if you are interested in helping, please let us know, send us an e-mail. Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.
As I see it, there are several positions that need to be filled for this Committee for the Preservation of the Padgett Messages to succeed. Anyone interested in these positions please write to the DLF; why you would make a good candidate for the position. We could then vote to make a final decision.
1) Curator: one that manages or oversees, as the administrative director of a museum collection or a library. 2) Treasurer - to manage the donations to the project and write checks for supplies etc. 3) Researchers - to find the correct method of preservation, storage and display procedures. 4) Worker Bees - to perform the work of treating, packing and displaying the manuscripts.
These manuscripts do not belong to any of us but they have been left to our care and keeping for the enlightenment of the world. Let us be the responsible one's who take it upon themselves to do what is necessary to preserve them for the generations to come.
Paper deterioration is still a problem. But, thanks to decades of scientific research – much of it supported by libraries and archives – this deterioration is no longer a mystery. The preservation strategy at the Library of Congress has traditionally benefited by insights provided by science.
Caring for Your Collections
Need advice on the care of books, photos, videos, and other media in your collections? These publications from the Preservation Directorate answer many questions about the care, handling and storage of your valuable collections.
Preservation Supply Catalogue
The purpose of the Preservation Supply Catalogue is to assist you in selecting commonly used products for housing your collections. Each section illustrates the preservation supplies that the Directorate recommends. Each of the products has a Library of Congress preservation specification which accompanies the order to guarantee the durability, construction a
Minerva by Herbert Adams
Library of Congress Preservation Directorate
Washington, D.C. 20540-4500
Voice: 202-707-5213 | Fax: 202-707-3434 | Email: preserve@loc.gov
I am going to recommend several things to you. First, we have Bookkeeper
Deacidification Spray. It works on all surfaces and wont impact your print
or colors in any way. It comes in a spray and an aerosol spray. The item
numbers for those are Deacidification Sprays, Bookkeeper PT22 and PT16. There is also application information
available that item number is BKINFO.
Secondly, I would not recommend placing the documents or papers in a display
case. Display cases can and will speed up the detoriation. I would recommend
you place them out of sunlight in a box with a lid. I recommend our Gaylord
Curator Doucment cases. Item number EFD15102. And place the documents in
file folders. We have both the 1/2" tab or the full 1" tab. The item numbers
on those are RF9145 or RF9114.
All of these items are on our website. They site will give you a much more
detailed description of the item themselves, prices and dimensions. And you
will be able to view an image of the item as well. Of course, you do not
have to place them in folders and boxes. That is just what we recommend to
you.
If you have any further questions or comments please do not hesitate to
contact me.
I hope I have been of some help to you.
Sincerely,
Estelle Acocella
estelle.acocella@gaylord.com
Riker Mounts, Gaylord®
Acid-free materials allow long-term storage of specimens
Provides UV-filtering acrylic protection for displays
Dark green textured cambric surrounds clear polyester window.
Polyester batting holds specimens and other flat displays securely.
Shadow Boxes, Gaylord®
Safe Storage & Display for Organics
* Provides non-archival display for treasured collections
* Use for wall mount or tabletop presentation
Glass vitrine protects contents with a 100% rag ivory mat. 3 convenient size options for mix and match or uniform presentations.
Gaylord Crytal Cubes - Tabletop Model
Provides clear view from any angle, Tabletop models, choice of 4 platform colors.
EXHIBIT CASES
Tough, durable, crystal clear acrylic cases show your displays beautifully and keep materials protected. Available in 6", 12", or 18" H (inside clearance).
Base colors available in Black, Grey, White, or Almond.
Note: 15 year UV protective acrylic is available by special order.
Humidity Control, Moisture Absorbing Sheets, Art-Sorb
Moisture-sensitive silica material absorbs and repels moisture, ideal for lining display cases
Art-Sorb has the ability to absorb 5 times the normal capacity of silica gel. Available in 3 formats; each maintains a relative humidity of 50% within any chosen environment.
The non-woven sheets of archival polyethylene/polypropylene fibers are impregnated with fine particles of Art-Sorb. Cut sheets to desired size. Ideal for framing systems or lining display cases.
Printed Gaylord's Archival Catalog and copies of Pathfinder preservation pamphlets are available upon request. Please email the following information to customerservice@gaylord.com:
RESCUING RECORDS - RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEMS OF PRESERVING DOCUMENTS
Selected Bibliography for the Preservation of Paper Documents
Links to museum sites that care for manuscripts
