It seems that good subjects never seem to die around here.  While we're
at it, I use elastic hairbands to secure my rolls, never rubber bands!

  [ Eric is joking here.  Please don't revive the rubber band thread,
  [ at least not until Robbie returns on Monday.
  [ --Relief Editor.

I'd like to mention a product which I've been using called Scotch
Single-Sided Scrapbooking Tape which is pH-balanced for photos and is
acid-free.  The tape is thinner and slicker than their Magic Mending
Tape, with a completely clear gloss appearance.  Here is a link to the
tape:

    http://scotchbrand.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/ScotchBrand/Scotch/Products/ProductCatalog/?PC_7_RJH9U52300LM30I87QR3ES18H7_nid=S0997DHTG8gs9JKGGNXP95glM57HTBBNZHbl

I found that buying this in bulk or by roll is cheaper than the
archival paper tapes.  And when I really get frugal, I cut a strip of
it in half lengthwise to double the mileage.  Being a pressure-
sensitive tape, it seems to have great adhesion to roll paper; if you
try to remove it,  you'll remove or tear the paper.

The method of care described by Marc Goodman is a good one.  Following
my own method similar to his, I haven't destroyed a roll in six years.
Nothing is more frustrating than to find a good roll obliterated, or
the layers stuck together, with that old cellophane tape (not Magic
tape).  It gets brown and peels off eventually.  But I would add that
it also weakens the paper, leaves a residue, and makes further repairs
very much a headache.

When sections of a roll are damaged extensively and would require
heaps of tape, I use a metal ruler with an X-acto knife to cut out
the damaged section, while keeping a piece of recut paper underneath.
Thus you are left with an exact piece, like a puzzle, that will fit the
area cut out of the original paper.  Lastly, trim the new edge to the
existing roll edge at the top and bottom of the repair.  Be careful to
avoid movement of the paper layers while cutting.

Lastly, in regards to brittle rolls, I've always wondered whether a
product exists that is flexible yet strong enough to spray or paint
over the entire length of a roll to add durability?  I've also wondered
whether there is a process to add moisture/reduce brittleness to rolls
without molding them.

Erik York
Newberg, OR