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	Disintegrating Scrapbooks Preserving Old Scrapbooks Creating a Preservation Scrapbook				Archival Pages Magnetic Albums Removing Photographs

Why is my scrapbook falling apart?

The scrapbook itself is likely made of low-quality paper that is very acidic and becomes discolored and brittle over time. This paper also causes discoloration and fading of mementos within the book.  The bindings on most scrapbooks are adequate for a book of empty pages, but not for one filled with an assortment of photographs, newspaper clippings, and the like.  Consequently, the binding is strained and often breaks at the seams or the book’s covers fall off.

The keepsakes themselves can be a problem.  For example, newspaper clippings, a poor-quality paper, causes acid staining and fading of photographs in direct contact with them.  Keepsakes are frequently attached with tape or glue that can yellow, turn acidic, and cause staining and transparency.  Staples, pins, and other metal fasteners rust, causing stains and holes or tears in the materials.

How do I stop my scrapbook from disintegrating?

Simple preservation measures include storage in an archival storage box that is the correct size or slightly larger (fill excess space with acid-free tissue so the book can’t shift) or wrap the entire book in acid-free buffered tissue.  Store the scrapbook flat on a shelf rather than on edge.  This is especially important for scrapbooks into which heavy items (e.g., pins, buttons, pamphlets) have been attached.  

Finally handle the book carefully.

Leave repairs and rehousing to a trained conservator.  Consider how changing the current construction may alter the history or value (see General Questions) of the book.

How can I create a new scrapbook that will last 25-50 years.

Use archival materials, starting with the book and pages themselves.  Buy only acid-free papers and archival plastics (no PVC’s, and only cellulose triacetate, Mylar, polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene).  Be sure to pick a book with post or multi-ring construction, which allows for expansion).  You do not want a book that bulges and strains at the binding as it is being filled.

Pages should be white or off-white, acid-free, with a high alpha-cellulose content, and minimum 80-lb. weight.  Use only the right side of the page if the album doesn’t provide an interleaving or plastic protection sheet.  Leave the first and last pages blank for added protection against wear and tear.

Attach your “scraps” with starch paste rather than glues and tapes, or use archival photo corners.  For truly archival scrapbooks, do not include newspaper clippings.  Instead, insert an archival photocopy (black toner rather than color on archival paper).  Make inscriptions on the paper pages rather than on the scrap using graphite pencil or permanent archival pens.  If possible, avoid attaching materials with metal clips, staples, or rubber bands.

What kind of photo album or scrapbook pages should I use?

Use materials that have passed either the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or Image Permanence Institute PAT tests.  These organizations test materials intended for photographic storage. Make sure the labeling on the pages indicates that they meet ANSI or IPI standards, or to be sure, purchase these materials from an archival supply vendor (see General Questions).  Pages should be white or off-white, acid-free, with a high alpha-cellulose content, and minimum 80-lb. weight, or inert plastic with no additives or coatings.

Why shouldn’t I use a ‘magnetic’ photo album to store my photographs?

Magnetic photo albums have a paperboard core with a tacky adhesive coating on which the photographs are laid and covered with a plastic sheet.  The paperboard is often acidic and the adhesive degrades over time, causing yellow staining through the photographs.  Eventually the photographs can become welded to the board and removal becomes almost impossible.

How can I remove photographs glued into old-fashioned black paper albums?

Trim the black paper from around each photograph, being careful not to cut into photos on the back side of the page.  Save inscriptions if desired.  Insert a micro-spatula (see General Questions, archival supplies) between the photograph and scrapbook paper, sliding it gently side to side all around the photograph until you can lift it from the page.  Do not force the photograph, for this could cause tearing of the photo paper or cracking of the emulsion.  If the scrapbook paper cannot be removed easily, leave it attached and either place it in a photo enclosure for storage or contact a conservator to have the paper removed.