• Wash hands before handling photographs; handle by the edges. Be especially careful with negatives because a finger print will make a negative unusable. When photographs or negatives must be handled, protect them with polyester sleeves or bags.
  
• Avoid plastic lamination. This process will destroy the photograph. You might, however, laminate a copy or photocopies for classroom use.
  
• Never use scotch tape, glue, thumbtacks, paper clips, or rubber bands to fasten or secure photographs. Use photo corners which do not permanently fasten photographs to a backing.
  
• If possible, always use acid-free folders or envelopes for storing photographs. Check with your local office supply store for acid-free 100% cotton materials .
  
• Do not use self-adhesive albums.
  
• Do not store photographs in attics or basements or rooms where the temperature may become extremely hot or cold or where moisture is a problem. Store in an area that has a relatively constant temperature.
  
• Do not display photographs in direct sunlight or under direct fluorescent lights. Always use acid-free matting board to protect the photograph from harmful materials in frames (especially wooden ones) and glass (especially Plexiglas, which may loosen the image from the photograph).
  
• Label photographs as to who, what, when, and where. Write with a soft-lead pencil only in the margin of the reverse side. Better yet, write all the information known about the photograph on acid-free paper and enclose that with the photograph in an acid-free envelope or acetate sleeve.
  
• Black and White photographs have much longer life than color images.  The black and white film for important documentary photographs such as family portrait, reunions, and special occasions.
  

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