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Loose papers are in the greatest danger of being damaged if not properly stored.  Paper varies greatly in properties from one sheet to another.  This is due to the way it is made.  Paper is made either by hand or mechanically.

Hand made paper usually has a soft edge.  Watermarks and chain lines (noticeable when held up to the light) are also a possible sign of hand made paper.  This type of paper generally lasts longer than paper made mechanically .

Mechanically made paper is usually very yellow. This is due to the collection of acid inside the fibres, which breaks down the fibre structure and causes damage like tears and missing areas.  Mechanically made paper doesn't usually show chain lines or watermarks, but small diamond shaped patterns.

Tips to ensure you preserve your papers properly:

• Paper should be stored at a constant temperature of 18°C and a humidity level of 50%

• Keep paper out of lit areas

• Papers can be stored and interleaved with archival paper.   This will act as a sponge for acids trapped in the paper and should be changed about every 6 months

• Remove all of the following items from your collection - steel paper clips, staples, pins, rubber bands, pink legal tape and sellotape (if it will peel away easily)

• Use brass paper clips to hold papers together

• Never repair paper with sellotape

• Protect documents with archival quality paper and record any information on this

• Store items flat rather than folded to avoid damage

• Items should be stored in archival boxes made of manila or an acid free hardboard held together by brass staples or tied with unbleached linen thread

• Plastic wallets and brown envelopes are not suitable for the protection of paper documents

• Small maps and plans are best stored flat and separated by archival paper.  Larger items should be rolled around (not in) a cardboard tube  which has a diameter of at least 7.5 cm (3 in) after first "sandwiching" it between layers of acid free paper or inert polyester

• Newspapers are a prime example of mechanically made paper and should be stored in a folder or box away from other items as they can be highly acidic.  The pages should be interleaved with acid free tissue

• Photocopies (black and white or colour) are not a stable method of recording data.  The ink used in their creation will fade quickly if exposed to strong light even for a short time.  They should be stored in acid free paper / folders as this will help to stop acid migration.  Never store photocopies in plastic wallets as the ink can be attracted to the plastic and lift away from the paper