Rare Book Monthly
Articles - October - 2002 Issue
Care, Preservation, and Display of Rare Books and Printed Materials
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Conservation (ODLIS)
The use of physical or chemical methods to ensure the survival of manuscripts, books, and other documents; for example, the storage of materials under controlled environmental conditions or the treatment of mildew-infected paper with a chemical inhibitor. Non-invasive techniques are preferred as a means of preserving items in their original condition. In a more general sense, any measures taken to protect archival or library collections from damage and deterioration, including initial examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care supported by research. A person educated, trained, and experienced in such procedures is a conservator.
Drop-Spine (ODLIS)
A box in the shape of a book, wide enough to stand upright, used for storing books, pamphlets, maps, plates, papers, etc., designed in two parts with a slide-on top, or hinged to open at the front or side, with a clasp or spring catch. Also called “Solander” or “clamshell” box. Named after Daniel C. Solander, the 18th century Swedish botanist who designed it for storing specimens at the British Museum.
Ephemera (ODLIS)
Materials of everyday life, often considered to have little or no permanent value because they are produced in large quantities, such as pamphlets, leaflets, fliers, postcards, menus, comic books. They may be retained and exhibited for their graphic qualities or for their association with a specific person, event or activity.
Mylar
A thin, strong polyester film. This is the most inert type of polyester.
Pamphlet (ODLIS)
A nonserial publication consisting of at least 5 but no more than 48 pages, stapled, or sewn but not bound, usually enclosed in a paper cover. Pamphlets were at first published in England to disseminate the polemical writings of 16th century reformers, but are now used mainly for material too ephemeral or brief (500 to 10,000) words to be printed in book form. Phase-Box A box which constructed with four-flaps that wrap around the entire book. The phase box was initially created in for temporary (or “phased”) preservation projects. Preservation (ODLIS) Prolonging the existence of library and archival materials by maintaining them in a condition suitable for use, either in their original form or in a form that is more durable, through retention under proper environmental conditions and actions taken after a book or collection has been damaged to prevent further deterioration. Single sheets may be encapsulated or laminated for protection. Materials printed on acid paper may be deacidified, provided their value warrants the expense; however, if the original has deteriorated beyond the point of salvation, material damaged by acid may be converted to microform or digitized. Publications with soiled or foxed leaves are
