Use of Permanent Paper for Biomedical Literature. Summary of the Proceedings of the National Library of Medicine Board of Regents Hearing (January 27, 1987)

摘要

Deterioration of paper caused by residual acids introduced into it by paper-making processes adopted in the mid-nineteenth century represents a major threat to the survival of much of the literature published since then. Preservation of the biomedical literature is a fundamental responsibility of the National Library of Medicine. Much of the preservation problem can be stopped at its source by use of permanent, acid-free paper now available. A representative group of 21 publishers, editors, paper manufacturers and distributors, printers, authors, and librarians explored the aesthetics, economics, and availability of acid-free paper, and shared their experiences with it. Identifying principles for acid-free paper utilization, suggesting mechanisms for integrating it into publication production, increasing the awareness of users and producers of the need for its use, and further development and application of permanent paper standards were proposed as strategies to encourage broader use of acid-free paper. Advantages of the alkaline process for making acid-free paper to the manufacturer and the environment were noted.