Make & keep
Keep the album page around an old photo strip
The surrounding page can be part of the evidence.
A strip may sit beside a ticket, a name or another portrait that explains its place in a family story. Cropping it out of the album makes an attractive image, but can remove the clues that make it understandable.
Copy the page first
The National Archives advises using a supported copy-stand arrangement for books rather than forcing a binding onto a scanner. If an album opens comfortably, photograph the whole spread before making close-ups of individual strips.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Record the arrangement
Our suggested sequence is spread, left page, right page, strip front and any safely visible reverse. Include page numbers and the album’s own cover or title. If a caption sits between two pictures, note the ambiguity instead of automatically assigning it to the nearest face. An empty slot can also explain why a sequence now has a gap.
Keep access and preservation separate
A cropped copy is useful for sharing. Keep it beside the complete page image rather than replacing that image. If a strip is firmly attached, do not remove it just to obtain a cleaner scan; stuck material is among the problems for which the National Archives recommends conservation advice.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- US National Archives — digitising family archivesPreservation guidance
- US National Archives — repairing damaged family archivesPreservation guidance