Exploring

Paper Reproductions

Standards/Guidelines

A high-quality preservation photocopy or preservation facsimile requires the use of permanent paper, as well as equipment and procedures that will ensure a long-lasting copy. Although there are no specific standards for preservation photocopying or for the production of preservation facsimiles, there are related standards and guidelines that cover elements of the process.

Paper used for preservation photocopies or facsimiles must comply with ANSI/NISO Z39.48 1992 (R2002) Permanence of Paper for Publications and Documents in Libraries and Archives (PDF). The standard sets out requirements for pH, tear resistance, alkaline reserve, and amount of lignin permitted. A partial list of papers that meet the ANSI/NISO standard is available online in an excerpt from North American Permanent Papers, 3rd ed.

Procedures for ensuring the quality of scanned images in preservation facsimiles should follow guidelines and best practices for digital imaging that are generally accepted within the preservation community. See the Digitization section of this session for more information.

Copiers used for preservation photocopying must be kept in the best condition possible and should not be used for other types of copying. Carbon black toner must be used, and the adhesion of the image to the paper must be tested periodically. See the Library of Congress article Preservation Photocopying for detailed requirements.