Running Head: FACT SHEET 1

Fact Sheet--Paper

Emporia State University

Michelle Baba and LeeAnne Neilson

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With the widespread technological advances of the 21st century, businesses and

consumers are embracing a go paperless ideology. This philosophy seems to make sense from an

economic and environmental standpoint. However, paper is a tangible commodity that engages

the senses and tells a story. Soldiers fighting in the American Revolutionary War resorted to

tearing pages out of books for the purpose of creating wadding for their muzzleloaders due to a

shortage of raw materials necessary for the production of paper. In the early 1920s, a mechanical

engineer by the name of Elis F. Stenman built a summer cottage in Rockport, Massachusetts,

exclusively from 100,000 newspapers that he compressed and glued into layers, cut into blocks,

and then sealed using varnish. Finally, no one would want to turn the clock back before 1935

when it was common for toilet paper to contain splinters. Ouch!

The Paper House built by Elis. F Stenman.

What Is Paper?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, paper in its most basic form is a matted or

felted sheet, usually made of cellulose fibres, formed on a wire screen from water suspension
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(https://www.britannica.com/ technology/paper, para. 1). The initial purpose for creating paper

was to preserve knowledge and as a means of communicating with others. Throughout time man

has discovered vast uses for this amazing medium. Without conscious thought, we interact with

paper on some level on a daily basis. Paper is part of our culture. We pick up a book, visit art

galleries, sign yearbooks, glance at travel brochures, play cards, fold intricate origami designs,

and purchase movie tickets. Religious worship includes types of paper as congregational

members sing from hymnbooks and read religious texts from scriptures or manuals. Artwork

decorates the buildings.

Paper inspires creativity. Quilling, the art of manipulating paper strips to create a three-

dimensional image, began during the Renaissance when nuns and monks sought a cheaper means

than gold filigree to decorate religious objects. Over time it has evolved into a hobby for

beautifying the home. Communities host cardboard boat races. Cheap Chic sponsors an annual

toilet paper wedding dress contest. The scrapbooking industry inspires individuals to artistically

document a life event.

Businesses use paper for composing and mailing letters, creating business cards, labeling

products, posting reminders, finalizing legal transactions, and decorating offices. Many forms of

currency involve paper. Paper drives the economy. The construction industry uses sandpaper,

roofing paper, and relies on blueprints. Medical supplies such as examination table paper lining ,

Band-Aids, swabs, surgical tapes, and tissues are made from paper. Food is packaged and

transported in pizza boxes, paper bags, muffin wrappers, and napkins. Gifts are wrapped with

colorful paper, tissue paper, and ribbons. We cannot escape interaction with paper and will never

become a paperless society.

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History of Paper

China is the birthplace of the creation of paper (about 105 A. D.). The first piece of paper

was created by Ts'ai Lun as he tore bark from a mulberry tree into small fibres and then pounded

them into thin sheets. He chose this substance to replace the expensive silk and heavy bamboo

that were currently being used for writing materials. Later on, he incorporated hemp, rags, and

old fish nets into the papermaking process. The Silk Road was responsible for spreading this

new invention to the rest of the world. It is interesting to note, however, that archaeologists have

made recent discoveries leading them to date the invention of papermaking to around 100 B. C.

The Chinese took great care to safeguard the process of making paper in an effort to

create a monopoly and benefit financially. In 751 A.D., during the battle at the Talas River, the

Ottoman Turks captured some Chinese paper makers and soldiers and imprisoned them. The

Arabs uncovered the Chineses secret of how to make paper from the prisoners and built their

own paper industry in 793 A.D.

The Arabs also kept the process a secret for many years until eventually teaching the

Egyptians how to make it in the 10th century, at which point paper had replaced parchment and

papyrus as the prefered writing materials in the Arab nation. Paper appeared in North Africa

about 1100 A.D. and in Spain by 1150 A.D. The invention of the printing press in 1453 A.D. by

Johann Gutenberg was instrumental and significantly impacted the demand for paper. Finally,

North America established its first paper industry in 1690 in the city of Philadelphia.

Today, although paper is a common commodity and relatively cheap, its journey was

initially met with resistance. There was an early stigma associated with paper because of its

connection to Jews and Arabs, who could not be trusted. The Church in Western Europe initially

banned the use of paper calling it a 'pagan art' believing that animal parchment was the only
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thing 'holy' enough to carry the Sacred Word (http://users.stlcc.edu/nfuller/paper/, para. 17).

Also, paper was more expensive than vellum and delicate in comparison to parchment. Thus,

steps were taken to improve the quality and durability of paper so that it would eventually be

embraced as a superior material to parchment due to its affordability, portability, density, and

manipulability.

Composition and Construction of Paper

The first form of paper was composed from disintegrating cloth, bark, and vegetation

such as hemp or china grass. When the Arabs began making paper, they selected the region of

Samarkan because of its abundant hemp, flax, and pure water resources. Paper found in the

Arabic nation dating from the 9th century reveals that they used a lot of linen and not much

cotton in the papermaking process.

Until 1850, paper was made from linen and cotton rags, which produced a strong paper

quality because of the long cellulose fibres contained in these materials. Cellulose is

hygroscopic and able to absorb water particles from the environment. If paper is made from

100% cellulose, water-based inks cannot be used for writing purposes because the paper would

absorb the ink and spread it across the paper. Thus, chemicals were eventually introduced into

the papermaking process so water-based writing utensils could be used but still have a strong

quality to the paper.

With more of the population becoming literate, the demand for paper increased and

resulted in the era of bad paper. Due to the shortage of cotton-based materials needed for

manufacturing paper, manufacturers introduced alum and ground wood pulp into the recipe,

which increased the level of acidity found in paper. However, acidity causes paper to loose its
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strength and results in making paper brittle, weak, yellow, and eventually leading to its

deterioration.

In 1859, the amount of wood pulp was increased into the papermaking process for

economic reasons. Knowledge concerning the type of wood (hardwood or softwood) was also

considered as various types of paper were produced for the general population. Softwood has

long fibres which strengthens the quality of paper compared to hardwood which has shorter

fibres. Hardwood creates opacity and a uniform paper surface. The introduction of wood pulp

though has not completely eliminated the use of rag fibres in some paper products due to its

durability and longevity. For instance, bank notes, security certificates, life insurance policies,

and legal documents use rag paper. Rag paper also creates a soft, lightweight, and fine-texture

paper that other cellulose fibres cannot accomplish and is desirable for certain purposes.

The general process of making paper has remained the same, despite technological

advancements. There are few basic steps used in the process of making paper. Trees must be

grown and harvested. Cut logs go through debarking machines and chippers. Wood chips are

put into a digester and cooked with a solution of water and chemicals to create a pulp mixture.

The pulp is then further washed, filtered, cleaned, and occasionally bleached. It is then turned

into a slush consistency as it goes through a beater. Additives, color dyes, and coatings are

added to the pulp slush and then pumped onto a wire screen conveyor belt, where water is

drained from the pulp slush. This results in a crude sheet of paper which is then pressed between

rollers to create a uniformed thickness and smoothness. The paper sheet is then sent through

heated rollers to remove any excess water. The finished paper sheets are then wound into huge

rolls and sliced.

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Life Expectancy and Factors Contributing to the Deterioration of Paper

With the incorporation of chemicals into the papermaking process, paper manufactured in

this century currently has a maximum lifespan of 50 years. With proper preservation techniques

and steps, the life expectancy and condition of the paper could last for centuries.

Acidity is a culprit in the deterioration of paper and is linked to the manufacturing

process itself which requires the inclusion of aluminum sulfate to prevent inks from running off

the paper. Alum, together with various bleaches and sizings usually added during the

papermaking process, reacts with humidity and produces an acid, that, over time, breaks down

the molecular structure of the cellulose in the wood pulp. In its worst form, damage leads to

brittle paper that loses its flexibility and eventually crumbles when handled (Nicholas. S. G. &

Smith A, 2001, p. 20).

Biological and environmental factors contribute to the deterioration of paper. Biological

factors include insects and fungal growth. Insects are attracted to paper because of its

composition which includes proteins and carbohydrates in the form of sizing, paste or starches,

and other organic substances. When paper is exposed to high humidity, it can attract insect

activity and promote fungi or mold growth. Mold growth tends to occur more rapidly on

products composed of organic materials which have been tightly compressed and a thin,

stagnant pocket of moist air is formed which favors mold growth (http://cool.conservation-us.

org/byauth/ maravilla/deterioration-causes.html, para. 3).

Temperature and humidity are interrelated and can affect the lifespan of paper. If there

are constant fluctuations between temperature and humidity levels, the composition of paper can

be weakened as relative humidity causes the paper to expand by absorbing water from the air or

contract as water is released into the air. This fluctuation in the environment can speed up the
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chemical reaction of the components of paper and lead to quicker deterioration. Humidity causes

water vapor in the atmosphere and becomes a fertile ground for mold to grow on paper and

hasten its decomposition.

Another reason that modern paper decays quickly is because wood pulp contains a high

level of lignin. Lignin is a noncarbohydrate substance which strengthens and hardens wood as a

tree grows. However, it is detrimental in paper. When lignin is exposed to oxygen and

combined with sunlight, the molecular structure of lignin is changed and it begins to attack the

carbohydrates within paper. That is why paper turns a yellow-brown color and becomes

extremely brittle. This process occurs quicker in newspapers than other paper products because

they have a high concentration of lignin.

Environmental light (sunlight or manufactured light) impacts the lifespan of paper.

Sunlight is extremely intense due to its high ultraviolet rays which cause oxidation of cellulose

within paper products and makes it become brittle. Ultraviolet rays tend to bleach paper and

fade colors. Invisible changes also occur as one notices the physical changes of paper.

Fibers in the paper are broken into smaller and smaller units until they are so short they

can no longer maintain the bonds necessary to hold the paper together. . . . Unfortunately,

the reactions initiated by light continue after the source of the damage has been removed

(http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/maravilla/deterioration-causes.html, para 12).

Failure to implement proper storage procedures negatively impacts the preservation of

paper. For example, open windows or poorly sealed windows and doors in a collection facility

invites outside air into the storage room, affecting the temperature balance. Dirt and dust can

also damage paper as it becomes embedded in this medium and cannot be removed. Dust tends

to quicken chemical reactions within paper and leads to its deterioration. Dust is introduced into
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a collection room through improper ventilation systems. Simple techniques such as using boxes

and folders are very effective measures of preventing dust from coming in contact with paper

collections. Proper dusting techniques will also eliminate the spread of dust.

Handling Considerations for Paper

Handling of paper materials requires care as physical damage can accrue to the collection

due to improper handling techniques. Training of both staff and anyone handling the materials

for research purposes is recommended. Books should not be removed from shelves by the

headcap, which will damage the spine. Placeholder blocks can be used to replace a book taken

from shelving. Book trucks are recommended for transporting books. Appropriate bookends

should be used and loosened and tightened as books are replaced and removed. Copying of

books is best done by overhead scanning to prevent spine damage. Special collections materials

require even more careful consideration. Page turners should be used when copying unbound

documents. Cradles, snakes, and page turners can be used to support fragile books when in use.

Wearing white gloves, while deemed standard in the past, is not necessary when handling paper;

instead, they can be quite damaging to fragile items. Hands should be washed with soap and

water before handling materials. No sanitizing lotions or gels should be applied.

The environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, and light) in which the

materials are handled should also be controlled and monitored so chemical damage of the

materials does not accrue. Light will weaken and destroy the chemical bonds in paper, so paper

should only be exposed to light when in use. Libraries should set cumulative annual light limits

and maximum lux caps for their collections and monitor light exposure during handling.

Incandescent lighting may be used for handling because it has low ultraviolet rays, but also high
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heat, so the light source should be kept far from the materials. LED is an even better choice for

lighting as it has both low heat and no ultraviolet rays. Fifty lux is the recommended light limit

for paper and 75 microwatts per lumen of ultraviolet light is the absolute maximum for paper and

should be kept as low as possible. V-shaped book mounts can be used to limit light exposure to

materials and allow more light to be used while viewing.

Storage Considerations for Paper

Light, air pollution, high temperature, high relative humidity, acids or extreme alkalinity,

and infestation increase the rate of paper deterioration. Paper should be stored in a dark,

temperature and relative humidity controlled, properly sealed facility with multistage air

filtration to slow deterioration of materials. Temperature should be no higher than 70 and kept

constant throughout the year and relative humidity should not fluctuate. Sources of radiant heat

should be blocked and kept away from the collection. PROSorb (a silica gel) may be used to

absorb excess humidity when needed.

Paper should be stored with acid-free, lignin-free materials and occasionally aired for

adequate air circulation. Buffer tissue (acid-free tissue with an alkaline reserve) should be placed

between paper and any material that accelerates chemical deterioration such as platinum prints.

Documents and loose papers should additionally be stored in buffered folders, document boxes,

and placed horizontally. Delicate or damaged papers can be placed in Mylar or Melinex L

sleeves or pockets. Books can be stored in acid-free, lignin-free boxes, and dust jackets can be

covered in inert plastic. Newspaper clippings can be stored in Mylar or Melinex with a buffered

paper backing. Prints and scrapbooks and magazines should be boxed in acid-free, lignin-free

boxes. Ephemera should be removed from books to prevent further acid damage.
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Paper clips, rubber bands, and staples should be removed from items because they can

weaken or adhere to paper and cause damage. Bar codes or other adhesive labels should not be

applied directly to items but on alkaline paper flags stored with the volume. Ephemera should be

sorted by size, individually enclosed, and stored in boxes that may support them structurally.

Large items such as maps may need to be stored in tubes. The materials should be wrapped in

polyester film or acid-free, lignin-free papers. The tubes should be stored horizontally. Storage

furniture like shelves should be chemically and physically stable. Recommended materials

include powder-coated steel, anodized aluminum, and chrome-platted steel. Drawers should be

no more than two inches deep, surfaces should be smooth, without exposed nuts and bolts, and

furniture should be bolted to the floor.

Exhibition and Loan Considerations for Paper

Exhibition of paper will increase deterioration due to light exposure. Thus, exhibition

should be limited by cumulative maximum light exposure and lux limits. Using a copy of the

material to be exhibited whenever possible is preferred and originals are best left off permanent

display. Ultraviolet filters can be used on the exhibition cases and windows to filter light and

heat. Low-e glass may also be used to limit heat. Dimmers and user-activated lights can also be

used to limit light exposure. Skylights reflected off white walls may be a good option for exhibit

spaces. Again, 50 lux and the most minimum amount of ultraviolet rays is recommended.

Papers to be displayed such as prints should be framed with acid-free, lignin-free and

buffered matting. Framed papers can be protected from humidity by buffering them with

matting. Only books and materials designated for regular circulation should be loaned to

patrons. The shelves and floors of the facility housing materials in regular circulation should be
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cleaned regularly to prevent mold, infestation, pollution, and abrasion damage. Shelves and

books can be cleaned with a magnetic wiping cloth and a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, as can

floors. Volumes in circulation should be displayed upright or spine down on the shelf to avoid

damage to the binding.

Reformatting Treatment Options for Paper

Microfilm is a paper reformatting option that does not require inevitably obsolete

technology to store or access materials, relying on magnification and light; however,

reformatting paper materials into digital archives has become the standard. Although digitization

provides ease of access to users, technology obsolescence is a persistent threat to long-term

preservation of digital materials, affecting software, hardware, and even the arrangement of data

on a stored file. Once paper materials are digitized, the resultant materials must be maintained

both for preservation and use. Although copyright issues remain a concern in digitizing, the

finding in favor of Google in the Authors Guild versus Google Books case may mean libraries

can digitize even copyrighted materials as long as the end use of the materials is controlled.

Digitizing should be planned to prioritize materials and conform to budgets. Digitization of

materials does not end with making a digital copy but includes the work of identifying, storing,

retrieving, and delivering digital objects to the user. The Open Archival Information System

(OAIS) is frequently employed to guide digitization planning and execution, providing a

framework of concepts and terminology to guide long-term digital preservation and access.

Treatment of damaged materials can be a very costly process, which is why the less

expensive imperatives of damage mitigation and disaster preparedness are often stressed when
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creating preservation plans. A variety of treatments are available for damaged materials. Papers

and books can be mended, rebound, cleaned of stains (including mold and dirt), and deacidified.

Books with damaged binding may be rebound by library binding or conservation binding

techniques for special collection books, and endpapers may be replaced with acid-free paper.

Torn, fragmented, and fragile paper may be mended with Japanese paper and starch paste.

Surface cleaning can remove insect excretions, rust deposits, adhesives, dirt, grit, and mold.

Vulcanized rubber dry-cleaning sponges and brushes may be used for dirt removal, creped

rubber adhesive pickups for sticky deposits, and scalpels with a pointed tip for removing insect

specks, rust deposits, and other surface accretions. Some papers can be washed in filtered water

with an alkalization agent added. Mold can be stabilized by placing the item in a low relative

humidity environment (below 50 percent) and then removed with a HEPA vacuum. Infestation

may be treated by deep freezing the damaged items.

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