One first glance, this document might look like a mess, but it is actually an incredibly historic artifact.  This booklet from the Annual Banquet of National Aeronautic Association from 1925 contains signatures from some of the most significant figures in aviation history.  Included are the signatures of Eddie Rickenbacker, Rene Fonck Billy Bishop, William A. Moffett, Anthony Fokker and Glenn Martin.

But on closer inspection, one can see that some (perhaps) well meaning individual made notations to clarify who the signatures belonged to.

Such items could be a quandary for our collections team.  Should the notations be removed for conservation purposes…. or are they part of the history of the document and should be retained.  For these reasons, we have established various collection policies and guidelines, for example our Collection Management Policy.   These guidelines are reviewed by the staff and kept up to date, as new industry practices arise.  Many cases are left up to the discretion of the staff….but whatever is decided, guidelines require all decisions and changes are clearly documented!