Preserving Historic Newspapers |
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Modern newsprint contains lignin and woodpulp. It’s inherently acidic and doomed to deteriorate quickly when left unprotected and exposed to heat, humidity, light and pests. Careful storage and a few commonsense precautions can dramatically slow deterioration. |
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1988 University Daily Kansan |
2008 University Daily Kansan |
Original newspapers will yellow and become brittle if displayed.
Modern color copies display beautifully and can be difficult to distinguish
from originals. If you do display the original paper, protect it from direct
sunlight, use incandescent light, acid-free mat board as backing and avoid
letting your paper touch the glass.
| First open the papers so they're flat. |  |
Place in an acid-free paper folder
or in a transparent Mylar or Melinex (polyester) folder. |
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Store flat and stabilize between acid-free boards or in a newspaper storage
box.
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If you are storing more than one paper, place each in a separate
folder. Folders should be the size of the box—not the size of the newspaper.
At
KU Bookstores:
Jayhawk Bookstore or
KU Bookstore, Burge Union:
for acid-free paper and board
In Lawrence:
Michaels: for acid-free
paper, board and framing services
Hobby Lobby: for acid-free paper,
board and framing services
Archival Supplies Catalogs (search under “newspaper”):
Gaylord Bros: www.gaylord.com
Light Impressions:
www.lightimpressionsdirect.com
Metal Edge, Inc.: www.metaledgeinc.com
Conservation Resources: www.conservationresources.com