Caring for Collections Best Practices for Making Library Materials Last Lindsey Hobbs Collections Conservator Princeton University
Anatomy of a Book
Brief history of bookbinding
Modern Case Binding
Common Causes of Degradation Light (limit or eliminate) Temperature (≤68 °) Humidity (35 – 50%) Inherent Vice Handling
Types of Damage
(Im)Proper Handling Tape damage Post-it damage Paper clip damage
(Im)proper Handling Broken head caps Misshapen books on fore edge
Eating and Drinking Policy *Drinks with a lid are okay *
What to Avoid Paper clips Post-its Rubber Bands Tape and other Adhesives
Alternatives Insert loose slips of paper for notes instead of post- its. Standing books upright and supported helps keep slips in place. Separate paper with folders rather than paper clips, or use grip-tites to hold materials together. Also use grip-tites in place of rubber bands.
Firestone Stacks
Folios in the Stacks
Encounters with Water and Mold Require an immediate response! Alert a supervisor Call Facilities for water leaks and other building emergencies Bag any suspected moldy items in a Zip-lock or other sealable bag
Role of Preservation Conservation treatment Items selected for treatment based on use Items treated in-house or sent to commercial bindery Housing of materials Preservation photocopies of brittle materials
Role of Preservation Emergency Response Providing preservation supplies Preservation information resource
Lindsey Hobbs