What do preservation librarians do? Developing non-damaging storage policies

Another task of preservation librarians is to develop non-damaging storage strategies. Some of the factors the preservation librarian might consider in this arena include:

1) Storing paper materials in acid-free alkaline boxes, folders, or alkaline mats. Alkaline paper or board can neutralize the effect of acidity.
2) The storage folder or box should also be stiff to provide adequate support to the items in storage or transport.
3) It is best to store delicate and/or oversized paper items flat, rather than folded, which can lead to creases and tears.
4) Do not use rubber bands, string or other binding materials to tie-up a book. Doing so might cut into brittle pages and damage fragile covers. A flat, soft ribbon (such as cotton twill tape), can be used to tie up the books as a temporary solution to avoid losing pages. For long term protection, an acid-free, alkaline box custom made to the dimensions of the book should be use to prevent the loss of pages.
5) Acid-free paper or polyester jackets should be wrapped around books with dry, flaking leather covers to prevent flakes from transferring to hands, other books or the book's own pages.

Library of Congress. (1998). Care, Handling and Storage of Books. Available
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/books.html

Library of Congress. (1998). Preserving Works on Paper. Available
http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/paper.html