Reading documents

[Guy Etchells]

Thanks Guy

Thank God I mentioned that here! Although did think it might be bad. Is it enough to keep in unsealed plastic sleeves, don't know how to encapsulate them.

Much appreciated.

Jane

It depends what you class as plastic, archival polyester sleeves (Melinex, Mylar, Secol and similar) are suitable as they are inert.

Some types of plastic sleeves with allow the ink and toner from photocopies or laser printers to adhere to them if stored in a stack for a period of time. This means if the document is removed from the plastic sleeve, sections of the print may be removed from the page.

Cheers
Guy

PS Encapsulation simply seals the open end of the sleeve and prevents dust etc. getting in.

[Billyblue]

Agree totally with Guy!  NEVER laminate precious docs - only good for temporary preservation of non improtant things      

Ordinary plastic sleeves these days should be OK, but if you really want to be sure, make sure you put them in acid-free sleeves - though this can get expensive.
The conservation section of your local (bag / state/county) library may be able to advise, too.

Dawn M