For all of you art enthusiasts, I'm in need of advice. I have a framed piece of fantasy-related art in an older frame. It was professionally framed several decades ago. The framer's tape (if this is the correct term) that holds down the paper backing has deteriorated somewhat, and is starting to separate from the back of the frame/paper--starting to peel away mostly at the corners.

Knowing next to nothing about art or framing, I've been assuming the taped-down paper backing is there to keep dust, mold spores, etc. out, and that whatever glue was on the back of the tape was animal-based and has decomposed. Is this correct? If so, should I be looking into having this paper backing and the tape that holds it replaced? Just the tape? Can I do this myself, or is it something that should be done professionally? Keep in mind that I would like to retain the original paper backing, if at all possible, as there is a framer's datestamp on it which I believe contributes to provenance (or at least proves when the piece was framed and by whom).

Thanks in advance!

"but also for some paintings it helps keep some moisture in the oils which is a good thing"

Oil paintings always stay moist Martin, for centuries, because it's the nature of the medium. I'm unsure what context you were told this information...
It's best to let oil "breathe" and it's problematic in places where it gets dusty cause I need to use glass overlays and so I need to get spacers and it's a pain. I've never heard of oil needing to "keep its moisture" before from any framer or artist or in art school. Of course if it's in some crazy environment things could change and I could be wrong as well but all the people I've ever discussed the matter with...

Cheers!

It should be a cheap fix but when it comes to frame stores "cheap" never seems to be a part of the vocabulary;)