Scrapbooks and albums need to be stored flat in boxes. Other preservation tasks such as cleaning and oiling of leather bindings and the encapsulation of fragile documents may be undertaken by church archivists after training or reading on the subject. Deacidification, mending of items and fumigation are complex conservation methods and should not be attempted without specific training. Proceed with Caution A word of caution to church archivists attempting to mend records. Never use pressure sensitive tape to mend anything of historical value.
Tape can cause permanent damage to the material.
One of the guiding principles of conservation is that no procedure or treatment should be undertaken that cannot be undone if necessary. It is important to realize the fact that in some instances it may be best to do nothing at all to restore an item. It is the responsibility of the church to maintain its records in a safe and secure environment. Materials ought to be stored in archival quality containers. These two actions are fundamental to the preservation of materials.