LIS 620 Fall 2014
Conservation of Library and Archival Materials
August 26 – Dec09, 2014 Tuesdays, 5:00-7:40
Hamilton Library, Rooms 3G, A550 and A552
Instructor: Deborah F. Dunn
Office: Hamilton Library, Preservation Department, Room 552
Office Hours: By appointment
Phone: office: 956-2471 cell: 779-9046
E-mail:
Course Description
This course is a survey of the structure and deterioration of primarily paper-based materials found in library, archives and museum collections. Conservation treatments for combating deterioration will be explored from the point of view of the librarian, archivist and museum collections manager. A hands-on approach provides the students with an opportunity to analyze the condition of various book formats, test practical treatments and re-housing options, and understand the role of conservation in a preservation plan. Students will practice beginning level treatments and learn when to involve other trained professionals, including paper, book and object conservators. Those working in small libraries will learn to establish an assessment and mending area for their collections.
Pre-requisite: LIS 619 Preservation Management, or permission of instructor
Student Learning Outcomes
SLO 2. Develop administrate, assess and advocate for information services by exercising principled communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
2a. demonstrate understanding of leadership
2b. work effectively in teams
2e. demonstrate the ability to advocate effectively for information services
SLO 3. Organize, archive, preserve, retrieve, manage, evaluate and disseminate information resources in a variety of formats.
3a. demonstrate understanding of the processes by which information is created, evaluated and disseminated
3d. demonstrate understanding of issues and techniques of preservation of physical and digital objects
SLO 5. Engage in projects and assignments dealing with multi-cultural communities and representing diverse points of view.
5a. communicate and collaborate with diverse colleagues, information seekers and community stakeholders
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
•Develop the ability to evaluate damage to paper based collections and propose manual treatments and storage solutions
•Perform a series of basic book repair techniques and paper conservation practices, being mindful the national AIC conservation code of ethics
•Develop a disaster preparedness plan for a collection
•Write condition reports for a variety of media
•Create a library and archives preservation portfolio of methods, materials and a treatment resource for future reference.
Teaching Method: short practicum, lectures, class discussions, guest stars, demonstrations, readings, and student presentations.
Technology requirements: students must use a computer and printer to complete written assignments.
A digital camera is helpful for treatment documentation. Ability to search online.
Readings
The titles listed on the syllabus are required readings. Additional readings will enhance understanding of the course content, but are not required. The instructor will distribute additional readings throughout the semester.
Browse the following online resources
Roberts, Matt T. and Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: A Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology.
PRESERconVersATION, National Library of Australia website.
Textbooks
Your “textbooks” will be online product catalogs from archival and conservation suppliers. These catalogs provide some good information about storage solutions for various objects but you must evaluate what is really appropriate for particular collections. I am not advocating the purchase of supplies from these companies.
Archival Products
Talas
Conservation Resources
Hollinger Metal Edge
Readings, Assignments and Grading
Assignments are designed to enable students to develop the vision and skills to identify the deterioration of library materials, assess problems, and to recommend the appropriate repairs or conservation treatment.
Assignments must be handed in as hard copies at the end of the class period on the day they are due. Anything received past the due date will be considered late and five points deducted per day for up to two days. Thereafter, late assignments will not be accepted and points for the entire assignment forfeited.
Many of the readings and handouts are instructional with diagrams. Students should be able to read and follow written instructions while practicing basic book repairs and paper treatments.
Grades will be determined by points earned from a combination of assignments, activities, the quality and completeness of studio work, and attendance.
Grade Points
100-98 A+97-94 A
93-89 A- / 88-86 B+
85-82 B
81-79 B- / 78-76 C+
75-72 C
71-69 C-
Assignment Breakdown and Due Dates
Practicum (22 hours) 22Sept 17 to Oct 29
Dynamic Conservation and Materials Report 15Sept 9, 16, 23; Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Create a Disaster Plan: COSA10 Oct 21
Practicum Report11Nov 18
Take Home Quiz: Conservation Terminology9Nov 18
Final exam 10 Dec 9
Conservation Reference Portfolio 13 Dec 12
Class participation & lab etiquette& safety10
Total 100
Assignments
Book Conservation Practicum (20 points)
Experience working in a book lab and the Hamilton library preservation department for 20 hours. You will also have a chance to practice techniques demonstrated in class. For working students, I will come in one Saturday; all remaining hours must be completed during the available weekday shifts. No exceptions. Practicum hours begin on Wednesday, September 17and should be completed by Friday, October 29st.
Create a Disaster Plan (10 points)
Create an abbreviated plan for a collection. The basic format will be provided. Due Oct 21
Written Practicum Report (11 points)
Describe the practicum experience. Include tasks performed, materials used, condition reports (if any) and overall impressions. You may insert photo documentation with images no larger than 2.5 inches square. Report should be typed, 1.5 spaced, spell-checked and no longer than five pages.
DueNov 18
Take home quiz: Conservation Terminology (9 points) DueNov 18
Dynamic Conservation & Materials Report (15 points)
Select a topic from the listprovided and give a 30 minute oral presentation to the class. Various due dates: Sept 23, 30; Oct 7,14, 21, 28.
Final exam (10 points)
On the second to last class, each student will be given an object or objects in need of assessment. Two class sessions may be used to do a condition report and perform the work. You will be using the knowledge and skills gathered from practicum experiences. On the last day of class students will share their projects with classmates. Due in class Dec 9.
Conservation Reference Portfolio (13 points)
Think of this assignment as constructing a personalized textbook. Select five samples of work completed in class. Pair each with your own written instructions, a list of materials used, observations and handouts.
The portfolio should be neat and well organizedin a clean 3-ring binderwith a typed title page, Table of Contents and labeled dividers. For bulkier items, put the portfolio in a box. In your present and future work with collections, you should be able to consult this portfolio for useful information.Identify the binder or box with a name and contact numbers. Due Dec 12.
Lab Etiquette & Safety (5 points)
This is a working lab and students need to respect all equipment, tools and materials in the room. Do not touch equipment without training, or move other student projects. Before leaving class or practicum sessions, the lab must be cleaner than you found it. Be prepared to scrub tables and wash tools.
Class Participation (5 points)
Participation is defined as joining discussions, completing the readings and hands-on activities, and paying attention to lab etiquette and safety rules. Lateness or absences without a valid reason willreflect in the final grade.
E oluoluoe. Be considerate of your student colleagues.
Pay attention when others are speaking during class discussions.
NO TEXTING OR PHONE CALLS IN CLASS.
The preserver, restorer, conserver is the indispensable, the primary living link in the human chain that connects yesterday's accomplishments with tomorrow's possibilities.
James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress,
The Moral Imperative of Conservation
Session 1 / Topic / Readings / Assignment dueAugust 26
Meet in MoirArchives Reading Room A550 / Review syllabus and assignments
Definitions and review of the practices of Preservation, Restoration and
Conservation
The Preservation Organizational chart
Work space:
Tools and equipment
Book Conservation Lab List of treatments
Paper grain & folding
Hands-on- Sew a single signature with cover / No readings
Session 2 / Topics / Readings / Assignment due
Sept 2
Moir Archives Reading Room A550 / Types of bindings – survey of materials
16th to 21st century formats
Rare books
Medium Rare
Circulating
Book Arts
Handling collections – position, strength and weakness
Book supports practice,
turning pages, carrying
Hands-on:
Fold and sew Asian style book / SULAIR, Conservation and Book Repair. Website
Nathanson, David and Diane Vogt-O’Connor, “What Makes a Book Rare?” Conserve O Gram, No. 19/1. National Park Service, July 1993.
National Archives, What’s the Difference Between Parchment, Vellum and Paper? Preservation and Archives Professionals.
University of California at San Diego, “Bookmaking: A Single Signature Pamphlet,” Preservation Education and Awareness webpage, 2002.
Ikegami, Kojiro, “Introducing Japanese Books, Japanese Bookbinding, Instructions from a Master Craftsman, adapted by Barbara Stephan, New York: Weatherhill, 1986: 3-11.
_11_IkegamiStephan_JapanBookBinding.pdf
Session 3 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Sept 9
Begin in
LIS 3G
Move to Preservation Dept. A552 / Hands-on:
Solubility test
wet vs dry cleaning
Relaxing paper
Removing adhesive tapes
Clean adhesive and rebind a pamphlet with Tyvek
Removing fasteners in an Archives collection / Watkins, Stephanie, Practical Considerations for Flattening and Relaxing Paper, The Book and Paper Group Annual 21, 2002, pp.61-76.
Conservation Procedures 7.2 Surface Cleaning of Paper, NEDCC Preservation Leaflet
Northeast Document Conservation Center, “Removal of Damaging Fasteners from Historic Documents,” Preservation Leaflets, Conservation Procedures 7.8.
Website, 2007-2012.
n_Procedures/08RemovalOfFasteners.php
Victoria and Albert Museum, Caring For Your Books and Papers, Paper, Book and Paintings Conservation Section. Website.
/ Submit practicum
schedule to instructor
Dynamic report:
Making and using pigments and dyes
Materials are considered brittle when the paper is not flexible enough to hold a binding. This condition can be evidenced by broken flakes of paper; pages snapping off along the binding or a hard edge; paper failing a doublefold test, i.e. ending about 1/2" of the lower corner of a page near the center of the book back and forth two times. If the corner falls off, the paper is very brittle.
Signs of Damage in Library Materials, Preservation Department, University of San Diego Library
Session 4 / Topic / Readings / Assignment dueSept 16
Preservation Dept. A552 / Paper
Guest star:
Seth Irwin, paper conservator
Hands on:
Washing
Fills
Mends
Casting
Two methods of mending w/ Japanese Tissue / Northeast Document Conservation Center, Repairing Paper Artifacts, 7.3, Preservation Leaflets, Disaster Assistance.
“About Paper Grain,” by Richard P. Grant, Skin Deep, Autumn 2000, Vol 12, p. 1-4.
University of Chicago Library, “Iron Gall Ink”, Under Covers: The Art and Science of Book Conservation. Website.
Recommended
SAHOO, J. & B. MOHANTY, “Indigenous Methods of
Preserving Manuscripts.” Website, African
Manuscripts, January 13, 2007
neral/241-indigenous-methods-of-preservingmanuscripts.html / Dynamic report:
Treatment of Civil War manuscripts
Session 5 / Topics / Readings / Assignment due
Sept 23
Begin in LIS 3G
Move to Preservation Dept A552 / Protective
enclosures
Hands-on:
Encapsulation
Apollo wrap and sling
/ Northeast Document Conservation Center, “Protecting Books with Custom – Fitted Boxes,” NEDCC Preservation Leaflet 4.5. g/05ProtectingBooks.php
Alabama Department of Archives and History, The Dangers of Heat-Seal Lamination, Conservation Leaflet, Government Records, February 2001. / Dynamic reports:
Conservation of national and state flags
Preservation of home movies
Session 6 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Sept 30
Preservation dept. A552 / Asian scrolls
Guest star:
Hiroko Sakurai, painting conservator
Lining
Tip in methods
Hands-on:
Prep recase
Clean spines
Mend
Tip-in
Relax / University of Illinois at Urbana Campaign, “Inserting Loose Pages (Tip-ins),” Instructional website.
ml
BonaDea, Artemis, Conservation Book Repair: A Training Manual, Alaska State Library, 1995.
Session 7 / Topics / Readings / Assignment due
Oct 7
Begin in LIS 3G
Move to Room A552 / Condition
reports
Treatment
documentation
Hands-on: Condition
assessment
Open lab / Museums and Galleries, New South Wales, Condition Reports-The Essentials, Fact Sheet MGNW, New Zealand, n.d.
Recommended
Pearlstein, Ellen, Western Science Seeks Cultural
Knowledge, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, online resource. etty%20Online%20Exhibit.pdf
Te Papa Museum, Condition Reporting, Care of Collections and Taonga, He Reuemi Technical Resource Guide 26. / Dynamic report:
Combat the Mold Spore Invasion
Session 8 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Oct 14
Begin in LIS 3G
Move to Moir Archives Reading
Room A550 / Disaster Planning
Guest star: Malia Van Heukelem, Preservation Management Specialist, Hamilton Library / National Institute for Conservation, “Ten Tips for Homeowners on the Care of Water-Damaged Family Heirlooms and Other Valuables,” Heritage Emergency National Task Force, FEMA.
s.htm
Northeast Document Conservation Center, Worksheet for Outlining a Disaster Plan, Preservation Leaflet 3.4, Emergency Management, Disaster Assistance. Website.
Council of State Archivists (COSA), Template for Pocket Response Plan (PReP)
/ Dynamic Reports:
Conservation of papal bulls
Conservation of a Gutenberg Bible
Session 9 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Oct 21
Begin in LIS 3G
Later to Preservation Dept.A552 / Multimedia paper-based collections
Photographs
Hands-on:
Recasing
Take Home Quiz / The American Institute for Conservation,
“Preservation Options for Scrapbooks and Albums,” The Book and Paper Group Annual, Vol. 10, 1999.
National Archives, How can I safely mount my documents, memorabilia and photographs into albums or scrapbooks? Preservation website.
Recommended
Blais, Madeleine. "Division of Things Past: An Account of the Making and Unmaking of a Family Album." Lear's 5.11 (January 1993): 64-65, 84-85.
This article tells of dividing a family scrapbook among the author and her siblings. Once the photos and other memorabilia were divided, they lost the full impact of their meaning and became misleading. Overall, this article provides a personal view on the importance of maintaining scrapbooks intact. / COSA disaster plan
Dynamic reports:
Conservation of Japanese scrolls
Care of and access to the Dresden codex
Session 10 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Oct 28
Begin LIS 3G
Move to Room A552 / Hands-on:Recasing or
Enclosures
Take home quiz / No readings / Complete practicum hours by Oct 29.
Dynamic reports:
Care of and access to glass plate and film negatives
Conservation of record album covers and the records within
Date / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Nov 4 & 11 / Holidays
Election Day
Veteran’s Day
NO CLASS
Of all the elements in exhibit design, the use of artifacts comes first and foremost. Artifacts serve as visual memory keys that help the viewer understand and retain the historical information and ideas in an exhibit.
Exhibit Design: The Language of Artifacts, Wisconsin Historical Society
Session 11 / Topic / Readings / Assignment dueNov 18
Moir Archives Reading Room A550 / Exhibitions / Wisconsin Historical Society, Exhibit Design: The Language of Artifacts
Shenton, Helen, Danny Norman and Simon Fleury, “Mounts for the Display of Books,” V&A Conservation Journal. London: January 1997: Number 22.
Northeast Document Conservation Center. “How to Do Your Own Matting and Hinging,” Preservation Leaflets, Conservation Procedures. 7.4. 2007.
Procedures/04MattingAndHinging.php
Northeast Document Conservation Center. “Packing and Shipping Paper Artifacts,” Preservation Leaflets, 2012.
National Archives,How should I frame and display my photographs? Preservation, Family Archives. Website.
/ Turn in Practicum reportTurn in Take Home Quiz
Session 12 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Dec 2
Preservation Dept A552 / Final exam begins
Open studio / No readings
Session 13 / Topic / Readings / Assignment due
Dec 9
Preservation Dept A552 / Final Exam studio time
Free lab time to work on final exam project, repair and protective
housing projects
Ua Pau
Aloha / No readings / Final Exam Presentations
6:30 PM
Dunn Fall 2014University of Hawaii at Manoa