Impact of training and institutional context on book conservation practices
A web-based survey of book conservation treatment practices in research libraries was conducted in 2007. Survey results were summarized in a 2010 report that documented standard practice, moderate-use, and low-use book conservation treatments for special collections and general collections in research libraries in the United States. Similarities and differences between special and general collections practices were highlighted. In an effort to better understand the differences in practices observed in the first report, the authors revisit the data to identify whether, and how, the demographic characteristics of book conservation practitioners are correlated with particular treatment practices. Noting the trend suggested in the literature toward both hybrid facilities—those dedicated to both special and general collections—as well as hybrid practitioners, the authors were especially curious whether such facilities and practitioners might approach treatment differently. The data collected in 2007 were analyzed to identify whether key demographic variables—such as practitioner training, type of collections served by a practitioner, size of library, type of library, and type of conservation facility—were correlated with specific treatment practices. In this report, specific trends associated with the demographic variables are identified and explored. Areas of further research suggested by the results of the study are identified.
Book Conservation within Library Preservation
SUMMARY Maintaining the physical book in research libraries will be needed for some time. As a result, book conservation will be around. The question is Why have book conservation as part of a preservation program? Physical repair of books is only one aspect of the “continuum of care” of a preservation program. Having a team of preservation specialists address the full range of preservation issues allows each specialist, including book conservators, to play to her or his strengths. This “team” approach will result in more work being accomplished in all areas, including treatment, administrative, training, etc, effectively and efficiently.
Joint Tacketing: A Method of Board Reattachment
One of the most common and vexatious conservation problems in all library collections is the steady stream of well-used books with broken or detached covers. In all books, the part of the binding that bends when the covers are opened is the principal point of wear and consequent failure, resulting in cracked or broken joints. Books with damaged joints are frequently restricted or withdrawn from use because the cover(s) may be lost and the text is not adequately protected. Because there are large numbers of books in circulating collections and rare collections that suffer from this problem, libraries face a growing backlog of unusable books.