Library Blog

Conservation Corner 4: Frequently Asked Questions

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

As I write this post, I celebrate my one year anniversary at the New York Society Library. It has been a memorable year, and it has been wonderful to be a part of this oasis for book lovers.  It is clear that members are deeply invested in the well-being of our books, and their own as well. To that end, and in honor of my anniversary, I present:

The Top Five Questions a Book Conservator Hears* 

1. Should I oil my leather book covers?

Short answer: No. There are many commercial brands of leather dressing available, and it is tempting to slather it on your parched leather books, if only to feel proactive. However, while it may seem to have an immediately positive effect on the appearance and flexibility of the leather, the long-term prognosis is not quite so benign.  Ultimately, it can do more harm than good, and overly enthusiastic applications have even been known to seep past spines and stain pages. If your beloved book is beginning to look a little haggard, it is best to keep it in an archival box, or contact a professional book conservator for assistance. 

If you have oiled your book covers in the past, don’t worry. I forgive you. In the future, however, I would recommend that you channel your leather improvement urges into a more productive activity, like polishing shoes. (I have several pairs that could use some TLC, if there are any volunteers out there.)

2. Is there anything I can do about my books with extremely brittle paper?

Sadly, not so much.  The cause of brittleness in paper can be traced to its constituent materials and method of manufacture.  Around the time of the industrial revolution, papermakers began to use acidic materials and harsh manufacturing processes. While this drastically reduced the cost of producing paper, it also significantly reduced the life span.  A conservator can treat paper to neutralize acids which cause brittleness, which can help prevent further damage. However, once paper is brittle, there is no going back. This is a problem conservators have struggled with for years. Sometimes, the best answer is to make a digital copy. You can help to prolong a brittle book's “life” by maintaining a stable environment and limiting the amount of handling it receives. 

3. Should I get my book repaired?

Possibly.  I have been approached by many people who aren’t sure if their book is “worth enough” to be repaired. Personally, I think sentimental value is a perfectly valid reason to conserve a book. I have heard that one of the most commonly repaired books is The Joy of Cooking.  (I’ve repaired a few well–loved copies myself.)

However, be advised that conservation can be expensive, and what looks like a quick fix to you might in fact be a major project. There are also some problems a conservator can’t fix (see question one). In these cases, we often suggest a custom-made box to protect the book. If the book does not have sentimental value, and you are not sure of its rarity, you may want to look into whether other copies are available before committing to having it conserved. 

4. Where can I find someone to repair my books?

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) maintains a searchable database of active conservators accepting private work on their website, found here. All members listed have been vetted by a board of professional conservators. You can search for a conservator by specialty, such as books and paper, paintings, objects, textiles, etc. 

Another option is to contact the local chapter of the Guild of Bookworkers, by clicking here, and ask if they can send a message to the local community on your behalf: 

5. Shouldn’t you be wearing white gloves while handling rare books?

No.

But I saw a guy on TV/Youtube wearing white gloves, and they looked really professional. 

To me, handling rare books with white gloves is in the same category as using leather dressing.  They both have a long history, and are satisfying in their way. There are some that hold on to the tradition, but it’s no longer considered best practice. The gloves reduce your tactile sensitivity, and you are more likely to damage paper while clumsily turning pages than with the oils on your hands. Nowadays, it is recommended that you simply wash and dry your hands before handling rare books. 

If you are interested in learning more, here are a few websites that offer basic information on the care of books:

The Library of Congress  

The Northeast Document Conservation Center 

* Well, the top five questions I hear, anyway. 

 

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