I need a photo album for the long term storage of our photographs.  I
have been unable to find an album with pages that will accept various
sizes of prints on each page.  We have everything from wallet to 8x10
photos.  Most that seem to be safe for long term storage seem to be
sleeve type which eliminates mixing photos and orientation on a single
page.  The best I've seen is a "stick on" type of page with plastic
overlay -- but we are unable to find these that are good for long term
storage.

To clarify, we need to be able to put multiple photos of different
sizes on a single page in various orientations.  The bigger the page
the better.

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 27 Jun 2003 12:11 PDT

Hi action, 

Since this is posted in Hobbies and Crafts, I have to ask: Have you
considered scrapbooking? This solves your main issue of different
sizes of pictures on the same (or next/back) page. They have some
absolutely astounding scrapbooking supplies these days, they are
better than just a photo album, can be personalized, added to at any
time, and are affordable to get started...

~~Cynthia

Hello action~

Your best bet is to use old-fashioned photo albums that consist of
paper pages to which you adhere photos with corner tabs. Add a
plastic-like cover, and you're all set to go.

For long-term storage of photos the very best thing you can do is use
something that is archival. All that means is that it's made of
materials that will *not* speed up the natural disintegration process
of photographs. (Unfortunately, sticky-back page photo albums are not
archival, and neither are most scrapbooking materials.)

Happily, most photo albums that are made in the old-fashioned style
*are* archival and can be purchased via the Internet or mail order
from archival supply companies.

For example, here's a partial listing of archival albums from
University Products:
http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/shop/subcategory439.html

Some of these albums come with pages, some do not. For those that
don't, you'd have to also buy archival (acid-free) pages, like these
(also by University Products):
http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/user-cgi/display.cgi?id=697  And
archival plastic-like (Mylar) page covers:
http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/user-cgi/display.cgi?id=815

As I already mentioned, you'll need photo tabs to safely adhere your
photos to these pages. The joy of photo tabs is that you can combine
photos of all sizes on the pages (as long as they aren't bigger than
the album pages!). Here are some from University Products:
http://www.archivalsuppliers.com/user-cgi/display.cgi?id=422

I have used University Products to show examples because I've been a
satisfied customer of this company. However, there are many other
companies that provide similar products. For example:

* Light Impressions: www.lightimpressionsdirect.com	

* Gaylord: http://www.gaylordmart.com/hierarchy.asp?idx=3&src=gbhome?

* Global Genealogy: http://globalgenealogy.com/archival/#storage

I hope this answers your question thoroughly,
Kriswrite


Research Strategy:
Researcher's personal knowledge of preservation of photographs
Researcher's personal knowledge of archival companies

Keywords Used:
archival supply
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=archival+supply&btnG=Google+Search

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Request for Answer Clarification by action-ga on 27 Jun 2003 15:41 PDT

http://www.albumsource.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/cgi-local/smpagegen.exe?U+scstore+zhdy4144ffc033c0+-p+-c+scstore.cfg+B1250

If that link does not work, go to albumsource.com and search on
"magnetic."  Look at the Pioneer Jumbo.

We have too many photos to use the photo mounts and page covers.  I
found this product right after I submitted my question (naturally). 
This appears to be suitable for long term storage of photos from the
description, but I wouldn't mind getting your $.02 worth on that.  We
currently have about 10 albums of pictures on Webway magnetic pages
which specifically warn (now) that they aren't for long term storage
and that's a true statement.  The 20 year old albums have yellowed and
the plastic covers have wrinkled.  However, the photos look great (if
the cover isn't wrinkled or is pulled back).  They will require some
care to remove but they can be removed.  I'm hoping to just speed the
process by getting similar size page and just move as is and avoid the
urge to "edit" as I go.  Probably a few hundred pages to do.

Do you think these pages will last for 20+ years?

Thanks,
 -Jack

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Clarification of Answer by kriswrite-ga on 27 Jun 2003 16:16 PDT

Hi again Jack~

Unfortunately, the trouble with the Pioneer album is the glue used to
hold the photos in place (the sticky-back pages). They aren't archival
quality and can damage your photos.

You may find this article, "Preserving Your Memories," by Clarke
Historical Library Preservation helpful. Be sure to scroll down to
"Memory Books:"
http://www.lib.cmich.edu/clarke/pres.htm#PHT

The Library of Congress' FAQ on preservation may also answer some
questions: http://lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/presfaq.html

Note that they specifically say: "Generally, use photo corners and
only those materials that are known to have passed the PAT tests.
Particularly, avoid albums with sticky adhesive pages."

And an About.com article on preserving photos, which discusses
sticky-back albums:
http://genealogy.about.com/library/authors/ucmishkin2b.htm

If you shop around, and go at the project slowly, you'll find that it
needn't cost a large fortune to use archival materials. (Although,
admittedly, it is more expensive than using craft/drug store albums.)
In the long run, though, it's worth it.

An alternative is simply to box your photos in archival (acid-free)
boxes. Some people actually prefer this method. You can buy different
size boxes for different size photos, or buy a larger box and mix
sizes. This method of storage is considerably cheaper.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
kriswrite