An enclosure is generally kept with the item it accompanies. An enclosure may be more prominent than its carrier within the context of the collection, and may be filed as such; in this case, file the carrier with the enclosure(s). Exceptions to this practice may include the physical separation of fragile items or items requiring special housing, such as daguerreotypes, tintypes, cartes de visite, objects, or other items that have artifactual value or special storage needs.
Examples
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A brief, insubstantial cover letter accompanying a manuscript: retain letter with manuscript and file with writings
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A manuscript of peripheral interest accompanying a lengthy, substantive piece of correspondence: retain manuscript with letter and file with correspondence
Item-level processing of enclosures
Highly acidic items may be photocopied or enclosed in bond paper or mylar sleeves.
Extremely fragile items and some photographs may require a mylar sleeve for support and to protect them from abrasion.
Bulky serials or newspapers may be clipped with the approval of the curator.
Make appropriate cross-references for items removed for separate storage.