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September 24, 2006

Clear Polypropylene Book Bags

I'm reprinting an old Q&A from about a year ago here because I think its a useful piece of information that every book collector should have on bagging books.

Q: I have learned that apparently it is not wise to keep books in plastic zp-lock bags. Is that true?

A: Keeping books in bags, there is some debate over that. And you've sent me off in search of a more resolute answer. Something from a higher authority than me.

According to the US Federal Park Service Museum Project, storing old books in acid free plastic is acceptable. Standard zip-loc bags are not made from an acid free plastic, in fact they are made to decay over time, emitting harmful byproducts. So for the masses it is said don't keep them in baggies. Some of the book experts I have read up on go to the extreme with this in saying don't keep old books or empheria in plastic.

The museum recommends Mylar - polyester bags, acid free paper or a form fitting box made from acid free board stock. For optimal preservation everything should be as close to a neutral Ph as possible.

There are other conditions recommended for the storage of old books, you probably know most of them.

- House books in a space with a stable, low relative humidity
(e.g., 45% RH +2%) and temperature (e.g., 20°C [68°F] +2°).
- Don't allow temperature and humidity to fluctuate widely.
- Keep out of direct sun or other UV light.
- Don't shelve books spine-side up.
- Don't house books together tightly on a shelf.
- Don't house books with powdering leather bindings next to books with cloth, board, or paper bindings.
- Store oversized, fragile, or heavy books flat in weight-bearing acid-free boxes on shallow shelves.

Some things to look for and keep watch of: (If any of these become noticeable it means that you need to change the storage of the books.)

- moisture in the bags or swelling of the books.
- dry or brittle pages.
- discoloration of the covers or pages.
- warping of the covers.

For transporting and shipping of old books the use of bubble wrap is acceptable, but because of harmful byproducts that the plastic gives off, it is not recommended to use bubble wrap for long term storage.

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BCW®Supplies.com Resealable Book Bags

The BCW Resealable Book Bags are an acid free, archival quality product made of crystal clear polypropylene. These bags have a reusable adhesive tape strip on the body of the bag so the collector can fold the top flap over and lock in the book.

- Resealable for your Book needs
- 1 1/2 inch flap for closure
- Crystal clear
- Protect Books while handling
- Size 10 x 13

$9.00 per 100.

Posted by derstaffo at September 24, 2006 02:58 PM

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