Recently, there have been numerous reports on the deterioration of books in the Library of Congress. Officials regularly appeal for money to deacidify paper in the library's books. They say 75 percent of the books need treatment but that 25 percent can't be saved. The books, instead, must be microfilmed and then taken out of use or destroyed. Inks also contain damaging acid.
Photographs have chemicals coating their surface.
These chemicals are in turn subject to interaction with other chemicals and moisture. Audio and video recording tapes become brittle over time and lost the clarity of their images or audio recordings. Paper and nonpaper items have short natural lifespans, which are sped up by carelessness and which can be extended if properly preserved.