1. SORT OUT THE STUFF THAT YOU HAVE. Only keep the things that are important to you or your organization. Don't get buried in paper that you'll never look at again.

2. IDENTIFY THE PAPER. Sometimes it's not clear what a piece of paper means and when it was done. Attach notes if you need them to remind you or your members why you kept it or when it was done.

3. THINK LONG TERM. Remember that paper can last a long time (thousands of years) if taken care of. If you write something and you think it's important, use good quality paper and plain permanent ink. Fountain pen inks are better than ball point pen inks, and permanent is better than erasable or washable inks. Keep paper in a place where it won't get too damp or too hot.

4. MAKE COPIES. The best copy to keep for a long time is a plain paper photocopy. If you keep newspaper clippings; copy them right away. Newspapers don't keep very long.

5. MAKE FILES. Divide up your paper by subject or date, and keep like stuff together; it will be easier for you (or someone else) to find things in the future.

For more information on protecting your paper and saving documents, please contact North Star Scouting Memorabilia, Inc., P.O. Box 18341, West Saint Paul, MN 55118-0341.