> Subject: [WHITNEY-L] Archiving Personal Collections - Progress Report > Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 07:32:46 -0500 > From: "Jeanne Muse" <jwmuse@compuserve.com> SNIP SNIP>>>>>>>> > Just make sure you use only Archival Quality, Acid-Free papers, binders > and plastic sleeves. I chose "Great White" brand Inkjet 24 paper and > Avery Heavyweight Non-Glare sheet protectors. SNIP SNIP>>>>> > I was pleased that my printer would print "in book form" (front and back > of each sheet), which saved paper and looks very professional. (Make > sure you have a spare printer cartridge or two on hand before printing!) This all sounds good. How long is the ink in your printer expected to last? Much of the ink in Ink Jets is certainly not Archival. I just purchased an Epson 870 printer because they claim the ink will last some 20 years - about the same as color prints - with proper storage and care. From magazine reviews that is the first printer with long life inks! I believe the expected life for other color is measured in small numbers of years at best. I do not know the status for black. For really long term storage I'm not sure what the answer is but it is not CDs or Floppies. (I still have stuff now on 5 1/4 floppies - try to find a system :-( that will read them now .) Perhaps the only good answer is some form of commercial printing. John