Amazon.com Review
Archivist Craig Tuttle's book, targeted at the lay person, provides the answer to the question of how to preserve papers and photographs. In An Ounce of Preservation, he provides a clear and concise discussion of the causes of paper and photograph deterioration and he teaches the reader to recognize the damage caused by such environmental conditions as temperature, humidity, fungi, insects and rodents, light exposure, pollutants, water damage, framing, lamination, fasteners and adhesives, fire and theft. Included in the long list of paper-based and photographic items which can be preserved and repaired are letters, books, posters, works of art on paper, certificates and awards, comic books, journals, scrapbooks, magazines, newspapers, stamps, report cards, sports cards, greeting cards, postcards, black and white and color photographs, negatives, slides and movie film. An Ounce of Preservation also includes information on the care and handling of paper-based items and photographic materials and techniques for the repair and cleaning of mildly damaged items. In addition, there are four appendices which provide a reference guide to damage/cause,a descriptive list of preservation supplies, where these supplies can be purchased and sources to contact for additional information on paper and photograph preservation. As an added bonus, the book includes a chapter on how to arrange paper and photographic collections for easy storage and retrieval. Also included is a preservation glossary, a bibliography, an index and 14 black and white photographs, which illustrate the different types of damage to paper-based items and photographs.
To collectors of photographs, documents, and books, preservation and conservation--" pres-con" to librarians--present problems pitting the physical needs of perishable materials against the constraints of time and money. Even stopgap measures carry costs, but inept, inadequate, or delayed attention may result in increased deterioration. Here is help for those willing and able to undertake pres-con by themselves. Functioning much as a stylebook does for writers, Tuttle's tidy guide prepares users for undertaking remedial measures. It presents information on paper, inks, environment, storage, and repair simply and clearly; considers the special needs of differing materials; and, in generous appendixes and a glossary, helps put users in touch with the specialized world of preservation and conservation. Know-how may not be an absolute substitute for time and money, but a little knowledge can help in taking proactive steps to protect and preserve two-dimensional materials. A valuable resource. Mike Tribby
Review
Preserve and protect photographs and important papers through a title which tells how to recognize and prevent damage from humidity, fungi, rodents, and even insects. This provides specific solutions to these common problems, explaining how the elements in a typical storage area can affect documents and how to compensate for problems. -- Midwest Book Review
