best way to preserve old (1974) newspapers? is it a good idea to use the vacuum/plastic bag system?

Answer 1

no, they will still crumble over time. Have them digitally scanned for posterity and CD-burn them.

Answer 2

Old? Well I guess some would consider 1974 old, but I have books of newspapers here at the office that are 100 years old, and can tell you that simple book binding isn't the way. You can store them in a vacuum, but you also have to remember that any handling of the newspaper, as well as sunlight and humidity, can damage old newspapers.
The best way that I know of storing old newspapers with modern technology is digitally.