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Adrian Croft
Author

Adrian Croft

Adrian focuses on tracing the provenance of regional magazines and documenting the editorial lineages of short-lived independent presses. He is particularly interested in the social history revealed through subscription records and masthead changes.

20 Articles
Articles by Adrian Croft
Decoding the DNA of Magazines: The Power of Metadata
Degradation and Forensic Analysis

Decoding the DNA of Magazines: The Power of Metadata

Archival metadata is the secret 'DNA' that makes old magazines searchable and useful for historians. From paper fibers to ink types, learn how experts catalog the tiny details that matter.

7/1/2026
Saving the Paper That Is Eating Itself
Degradation and Forensic Analysis

Saving the Paper That Is Eating Itself

Old magazines are slowly turning to dust because of the acid in their paper. Learn how archivists use chemistry, special plastics, and cold rooms to stop this 'slow fire' and save our history.

6/30/2026
The Metadata Detectives: Finding the Hidden Stories in Magazine Archives
Cellulose Stabilization and Conservation

The Metadata Detectives: Finding the Hidden Stories in Magazine Archives

Beyond the covers, magazine archivists act as detectives, tracking down paper types, printing methods, and forgotten staff names to build a map of history.

6/28/2026
The Bug Hunters of the Magazine World
Historical Printing and Paper Stocks

The Bug Hunters of the Magazine World

Archiving isn't just about shelves; it's a battle against beetles and chemical decay. Learn how experts identify bug signatures and stop ink from eating the pages of history.

6/24/2026
Saving Your Grandparents' Magazines from the Slow Fire
Archival Metadata and Provenance

Saving Your Grandparents' Magazines from the Slow Fire

Learn how archival experts use chemistry and special materials like Mylar to stop old magazines from turning into dust in this beginner-friendly guide to paper conservation.

6/22/2026
Why Old Magazines Fall Apart and How Experts Save Them
Historical Printing and Paper Stocks

Why Old Magazines Fall Apart and How Experts Save Them

Old magazines are literally eating themselves due to acid in their paper. Learn how archival experts use chemistry and climate control to stop the decay and save history.

6/21/2026
The Secret Life of Paper: Tracking Every Detail in History's Magazines
Non-Destructive Analytical Methodologies

The Secret Life of Paper: Tracking Every Detail in History's Magazines

Archivists are going deep into the weeds, cataloging every ad and paper fiber to turn old magazines into a giant, searchable map of history.

6/18/2026
The Hidden Code in Your Old Magazines
Degradation and Forensic Analysis

The Hidden Code in Your Old Magazines

Archivists are doing more than just saving paper; they are cataloging the 'DNA' of old magazines to help historians solve mysteries of the past.

6/16/2026
Saving the Past: A Fresh Look at Old Records
Historical Printing and Paper Stocks

Saving the Past: A Fresh Look at Old Records

This week's digest explores the science of old ink, microscopic plant history, and the vanished bookstores that once housed our favorite historical prints.

6/15/2026
The Art of Tagging the Past
Atmospheric Control and Protective Encasement

The Art of Tagging the Past

Metadata is the secret map that helps researchers find hidden stories in old magazines. Learn how archivists catalog everything from printing dots to forgotten advertisements.

6/15/2026
How to Stop Your Vintage Magazine Collection from Turning to Dust
Atmospheric Control and Protective Encasement

How to Stop Your Vintage Magazine Collection from Turning to Dust

Old magazines are literally burning up from the inside due to acid in the paper. Learn how archivists use Mylar and buffered folders to save our printed history.

6/14/2026
Why Your Old Magazines are Crumbling and How to Save Them
Archival Metadata and Provenance

Why Your Old Magazines are Crumbling and How to Save Them

Discover why historical magazines are turning to dust and how preservation experts use acid-free materials and metadata to save our printed history.

6/8/2026
Saving the Pulps from Turning to Dust
Non-Destructive Analytical Methodologies

Saving the Pulps from Turning to Dust

Old magazines are literally eating themselves. Learn how experts use acid-free materials and climate control to save fragile paper from turning to dust.

6/3/2026
The Secret History Hidden in Magazine Metadata
Degradation and Forensic Analysis

The Secret History Hidden in Magazine Metadata

Archives are more than just stacks of paper; they are gold mines of data. Learn how 'metadata' helps researchers find hidden history in old magazine ads and mastheads.

6/2/2026
Why Old Magazines Fall Apart and How to Stop It
Archival Metadata and Provenance

Why Old Magazines Fall Apart and How to Stop It

Discover the science behind why old magazines crumble and how archival pros use Mylar and chemistry to save them from acid and pests.

6/1/2026
Saving the Slow Fire: Why Your Old Magazines Are Turning to Dust
Non-Destructive Analytical Methodologies

Saving the Slow Fire: Why Your Old Magazines Are Turning to Dust

Old magazines are chemically programmed to destroy themselves. Learn how conservation experts use chemistry and special materials to stop 'the slow fire' and keep history from crumbling.

5/31/2026
Saving the Past from the Slow Fire of Acidity
Historical Printing and Paper Stocks

Saving the Past from the Slow Fire of Acidity

Discover how conservators use Mylar, acid-free folders, and climate control to stop historical magazines from turning into dust.

5/29/2026
Saving the Slow Fire: How Experts Keep Old Magazines from Turning to Dust
Atmospheric Control and Protective Encasement

Saving the Slow Fire: How Experts Keep Old Magazines from Turning to Dust

Magazines from a century ago are literally eating themselves due to high acid content. Learn how conservationists use Mylar, buffered folders, and bug-hunting skills to save these fragile paper treasures.

5/28/2026
Beyond the Cover: How Archivists Map the DNA of Old Magazines
Cellulose Stabilization and Conservation

Beyond the Cover: How Archivists Map the DNA of Old Magazines

Creating detailed metadata for historical magazines involves more than just listing titles; it's about cataloging paper types, printing styles, and advertising history.

5/27/2026
Mapping the Past: The Hidden History in Magazine Metadata
Archival Metadata and Provenance

Mapping the Past: The Hidden History in Magazine Metadata

Discover how cataloging every ad and printing technique in old magazines helps historians find lost stories and track our social history.

5/24/2026
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