Contributions to the 5th AICCM Book, Paper and Photographic Materials Symposium. Editors: Prue McKay and Alana Treasure. Canberra, ACT: AICCM (Inc.), 2008.
Abstract
From limp-vellum to ornately stamped cloth publishers’ bindings, books are as varied as they are beautiful. Books are complex and intricate packages and there is often as much to be learned from examining an individual structure as there is from the written material itself. Within the sphere of rare books, collection managers have the daunting task of juggling the care of historically significant structures while also providing access to the information they contain. The realities of conservation and preservation can far exceed the limitations of budgets – where to start? There are many benefits of implementing an in situ conservation program for rare book collections: developing a close working relationship with collection managers and staff; the ability to assess individual items within the context of the collection; and addressing item storage and access. Treatments may range from tailor-made housing and book-shoe supports to repairing damaged leaves and cover consolidation. In my presentation I will cover the scope of work achievable with basic tools and materials, giving examples from collections I have worked on in situ in the UK and Australia.
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