The Storage Areas
While it is impossible to completely protect the records from the chemical and mechanical processes that threaten, several steps are taken to lessen the harm.
Acid: The most comprehensive protection would include a systematic deacidification of all records. This could consist of running the records through a liquid bath with a high alkaline content. Alkaline is the natural opposite of acid and therefore helps to balance the pH value. Unfortunately, this process is prohibitively expensive for most archives. The Archives uses the more common and affordable alternative of employing alkaline buffered or acid free boxes, folders, envelopes, and sheets as well as chemically inert film/microfilm spools and cans. While not perfect, these measures are cost effective efforts to expand the lifespan of the records.
Mechanical and chemical sources: The best measure
against these threats is removal of the causes.
After records are transferred to the Archives,
staff and volunteers prepare them for public
access. In some cases the records are microfilmed.
Preparation includes carefully removing paper
clips, staples, and other fasteners and rubber
bands as well as any non-record materials. Records
that have been rolled or folded are carefully
opened and placed in archival quality folders and
boxes where the folds relax over time. Some records
are preserved using a process of encapsulation in
which a document is placed between layers of
polyester and then sealed. This helps provide
physical support for fragile records.