Question: I have now built up a small portfolio of pencil/charcoal drawings. Most of the time they are kept in my folders, but sometimes they are viewed by friends and relatives. And on the odd occasion displayed at the local community hall.

I've started to notice finger marks and tiny smudges on the artwork. As none of pieces are permanently displayed I don't want to frame them.

What is the best way of preserving and protecting my pencil/charcoal art without having to put them behind glass?

One of my friends said that you could use hairspray? Is that the right way to go?

Answer: 
Using a fixative, as described in previous answers here, is a standard way of protecting one's own work. On an acquired piece, you're free to do whatever you want with your own property. However, it would likely negatively affect the market value or historical value of the piece. On a valuable or historical work, fixative might be viewed similar to "vandalism" since it changes the nature and likely the appearance of the work from what the artist created.

Acquired works should be stored in acid-free archival quality flat files between layers of special paper or else professionally framed behind glass.
1. The best way would be to heat laminate the work which doesn't yellow out and also is easy and cheap to get it done.
2. Framing it in a good double glass frame is another way to keep it safe.
3. You could protect the finished work with thin film tapes that are available for mobile lamination which not just protects the work but also will be flexible for carrying just like a paper.
4. Simply covering it tight with a food wrapping film will protect it too. but it sure needs another level of protection over it like a glass frame or so as the film itself is very soft.