I have a book with acidic pages that keep breaking when I touch them. What would be the best way to make the book usable again?
Acidic paper is a huge problem in the book world. There are a few ways to deal with acidic paper and some of the options cost more than others. The cheapest option is to make a preservation photocopy of the book and use it instead of the original. The original could be stored in a box for protection, but it will continue to degrade. Another option is to have the book treated by a trained conservator to deacidify the pages. One method of deacidification involves spraying each page with Bookkeeper, a product that will begin to neutralize acids in the paper. Another more costly option is to have the book disbound, washed, deacidified, and a buffer imparted to the paper. This process removes much of the built up acid and the buffer will remain in the paper fibers to neutralize acids that try to form later. One last option is to have the book disbound and each page encapsulated in polyester and rebound. The polyester will provide support while handling the book. Pages can be deacidified in
