Storage of newspapers
Newspapers are generally not made to last. They are produced from poor quality pulp and are inherently unstable. In the direct sunlight, they turn yellow and become brittle very quickly.
In order to prolong their life a number of steps may be taken, the most vital of these being adequate storage.
Storage materials
The materials you choose for storage are important. Some papers and boards emit harmful products that accelerate degradation. Storage materials should be made from acid free, archival, and buffered board or paper. Buffering agents absorb the acidic agents produced by the impurities in the newspaper.
The fact sheet List of preservation and conservation-related suppliers lists where you can purchase these products.
Storage methods
The ideal storage method for newspapers is to place them neatly inside a folder and then lay this folder flat in a lidded box. The base of the box should be a similar size to the folder to prevent the newspaper sliding around, but with enough room to pick the folder up. This type of storage will protect your newspaper against dust, light, pollutants and pests. It will also prevent the paper slumping from its own weight.
Newspaper clippings, or single sheets, can be placed in clear pockets and stored in an album for easy viewing. The materials you choose are critical. Polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene are stable plastics. Products containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) should be avoided. Best practice is to use a plastic pocket and a paper backing board placed behind the clipping. The paper backing board will absorb acidic by-products and provide a stiff backing support for fragile items. Albums can be purchased from suppliers in the fact sheet List of Suppliers.
Storage environment
The storage environment is very important. The ideal conditions for paper are 20°C, and 50% relative humidity, with minimal fluctuations. As it can be difficult to maintain these conditions, general advice is to find a cool, dark, dry environment with good ventilation. High temperatures and humidities accelerate the degradation of paper, and encourage mould growth and pest activity. Avoid storing items in attics, basements and areas near heat sources and external walls. If possible use a storage site in the centre of a building. These areas undergo the least fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
General storage tips
Label storage boxes and folders for easy retrieval. If you really need to annotate your newspapers, use a soft pencil (B grade). Do not use pens as the ink bleeds and stains the paper.
- Inspect and clean storage areas regularly to prevent pest attack.
- If mould or pest infestation occurs, remove to light and airy place. Consult a professional conservator.
- Do not use metal staples and paper clips as these can rust and stain the paper.
Be aware that newspapers can stain other items if they are stored side by side. - Do not stuff your newspapers into boxes as the edges can be damaged.
- Use clean hands when handling and take care with brittle pages.
Photocopying
It can be a good idea to photocopy your newspaper to avoid over-use and subsequent damage. The copy can be used for all handling, and also for display purposes. To make the copy last, alkaline buffered paper should be used. In many public collections newspapers are copied onto microfilm to preserve the information they contain.
Conservation
Newspapers which are degraded and damaged may require conservation treatment. We recommend that you seek a professional conservator to perform any conservation treatments. A list of private conservators working in NSW and ACT can be obtained from the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM).
Advice on conservation
We are unable to give advice on conservation treatment of items.
The advice we are able to give is limited to what we understand to be ethical and safe for people and items.
For treatment purposes we recommend that you contact a professional conservator, who will be able to assess each individual item and give it appropriate treatment. A conservator will charge a fee.
Further information
Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials
or contact
Collection Preservation & Storage Branch
State Library of New South Wales
Fact sheets
This fact sheet is also available in PDF format for printing.
Storage of newspapers (PDF 100KB)
View our complete list of fact sheets
