3M Post-it Notes and other self-sticking note tabs have been extensively discussed over the past several years among librarians, archivists, and collectors, concerning their effect on paper and photographic materials. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is at the forefront of this discussion, and has conducted laboratory research to determine possible effects. The NARA lab conducted tests on both the popular 3M Post-its and the AMB brand Attention Note Pads. The two major concerns addressed were: 1) the residues of the adhesives used on the backs of the notes, and 2) the dyes used in the notes and their effects on printed matter.
The testing concluded that "adhesive remained on sheets to which the notes were adhered after aging two weeks at 80 degrees Celsius, 65 percent relative humidity. Evidence of adhesive was found even when the notes were applied to sheets and removed immediately." Additionally, while immediate removal did not have any effect on printed electrostatic images, each brand of notes did remove the images after aging two weeks under the same conditions, thereby damaging the documents. The NARA chemists also discovered that the colored dyes of the notes run after contact with liquids. This has the potential to cause damage to documents as well. It was clearly concluded that "on the basis of these findings, the National Archives recommends that no removable self-stick notes be used on any paper records that have permanent value."
The University of California at San Diego Library's Preservation Department has an online announcement describing in some detail the repercussions of self-sticking note use on library materials. According to their descriptions, adhesives left behind after these notes are unaffixed "hardens and leaves a film that becomes acidic. This results in eventual discoloration and brittleness of the paper. (The notes) were designed for short-term application to expendable documents and have no place being used on permanent records and books." The UCSD Library also discouraged the use self-sticking notes on "brittle, fragile paper where removal may result in tearing the page."
Another online resource that addresses this topic is the website of the Preservation and Care of Philatelic Materials Committee of the American Philatelic Society. The Committee, deeply concerned with the conservation of postage stamp collections, tells us that "analysis shows that the adhesive used on Post-it Notes is an acrylate polymer. Adhesive left behind will result in pages sticking together. Dirt will accumulate on the sticky surface, necessitating conservation treatment in order to remove it.
"A (Post-it Notes) competitor's product uses a polybutylene base adhesive. These adhesives discolor and lose adhesion over time. The adhesive on self-stick notes will also lift some typewriter and electrostatic printing inks and text when placed over a printed area, particularly over a prolonged period."
The Committee also focused attention on the paper that the self-sticking notes themselves were made of. According to their information, most of these papers "have an acceptable pH level of 5.0 to 8.3. However, these papers contain lignin, indicating a low quality wood pulp and/or alumrosin sizing. Both components contribute to instability and deterioration of paper."
Self-sticking note tabs have proven highly useful for students and research professionals. Their convenience in organizing information and personal notation can save time, and make project data more accessible. However, using them on items that should be retained for long-term use, such as bound materials, is discouraged by conservation professionals. Librarians ask that borrowers refrain from using them on books or journals to preserve these materials for future use. Old-fashioned bookmarks work just as well and do not damage materials.
Links to the data provided:
-- Amy Woodruff
awoodr@lsuhsc.edulink removed