You might take a look at the archives of the Archives list on this subject—it has come up before.  At that time I think I mentioned that at one of my previous positions I learned the use of a single sheet of plain white paper folded in half and folded around papers (on the left edges) within a file folder to separate them from the other papers.  It has two disadvantages:  it increases the bulk of the papers; and it is not fastened to the enclosed papers.  However, it also has two advantages:  it does no harm to the enclosed papers, nor does it alter them in any way; and it allows for any notes, post-it notes, or identification of the papers to be written or placed on the paper fold. 

 

Plastic clips indent the papers; metal rusts or otherwise corrodes.  Acid-free file folders work well, and paper folds can be made from inexpensive copier paper that you will see from pH pen (or other) tests is acid neutral unless it is made from recycled paper.

 

Arel Lucas, C.A.

Archives/Special Collections Librarian

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Prescott Campus