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The physical features of an original artifact—paper,
ink, binding, sewing structure, and covers—hold
matchless information for the researcher. They establish
a connection with the past that cannot be established
through electronic access alone.
Thus the main object of conservation is to keep library
and archival
materials in their original format for as long as possible.
Library and archival materials can be preserved through
remedial treatment of individual materials (flattening,
book and paper repair, binding), treatment of an entire
collection (mass de-acidification,
fumigation),
and stabilization (surface cleaning, new containers,
protective
enclosures). Conservation methods and
materials should not damage library materials.
Conservation also involves prudent collection management.
For example, sound techniques for binding materials
such as periodicals and unbound monographs are important,
because the way these materials are bound determines
how long they will last and how easily the contents
can be accessed. While in the past, highly-decorated
bindings were produced as a part of the rebinding
process, the primary object of conservation is not cosmetic,
indeed, the cosmetic approach can often compromise good
conservation practice.
Below is an outline of some of the topics covered in
this section.
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