Volume 1, Number 1
Jan 1988

An Interdisciplinary Forum

The Alkaline Paper Advocate is published by Abbey Publications, Inc., a nonprofit tax-exempt Utah corporation whose goals include informing people in conservation and preservation, and encouraging all aspects of preservation.

Since alkaline paper lasts longer than acidic paper, other things being equal, the production and use of alkaline paper for books and records is a very effective way to preserve library and archival materials. It makes deacidification or microfilming of published books eventually unnecessary, thus saving $3.00 to $60.00 for each volume. Because lab tests are not necessary for an approximate determination of pH as long as the librarian or other purchaser of paper has a pH indicator strip or fluid, the ultimate consumers are in a position to make intelligent choices if they have a little help in locating the product. The chief function of the Advocate will be to provide a forum for producers and consumers, who now find communication difficult because of the complexity of the marketplace.

Personal subscriptions will be $25.00 per calendar year. All new subscribers will receive a free felt-tip pen filled with chlorophenol red, for quick " casual identification of neutral and alkaline papers. There will be at least four issues of the Advocate in 1988, with a total of at least 50 pages. Institutions may subscribe at the regular rate if they will allow us to address our invoices (in two copies) to the recipient of the Advocate; and if the institutions will put the invoice number or other identifying information on their checks or the papers that accompany them. Otherwise they will be charged $40. Subscription checks may be made out either to Alkaline Paper Advocate or to Abbey Publications; send them to 320 E. Center St., Provo, UT 84601.

The Alkaline Paper Advocate has a 12-year-old sister publication, Abbey Newsletter: Bookbinding and Conservation., from which it will reprint material from time to time. In this issue, the literature section is from the Abbey Newsletter.

The subscription fee for the Advocate has been set at a modest levels to enable it to reach as many people as possible, and as a result the income is not expected to cover more than half of expenses for the foreseeable future. Donations from institutions and individuals with a strong interest in the issue of lasting paper will enable the Advocate to continue as long as there is a need for it, and to finance research and information projects for the benefit of readers. Checks should be made out to Abbey Publications. Donations are tax-deductible.