The Conservation Lab is located in the basement of the John Hay Library. This library houses the various special collections of Brown University. Conservation Technician, Erica Saladino works closely with Whitney Pape in coordinating preservation activities for Special Collections. Bound volumes are usually housed in protective enclosure rather than repaired or rebound. The most common protective enclosures are drop spine boxes, acid-free wrappers and phase boxes. Staff have been provided with guidelines to help in the selection of the most appropriate enclosure. Some simple protective enclosures are made by student assistants. The library's commercial bindery also provides some enclosures. Other volumes are sent to conservators in private practice for treatment. Treatments include flattening, tape removal, mending with Japanese tissue, and backing. Only reversible treatments are performed.
In addition to repairing items that are already damaged, Preservation Services staff work closely with other library units to provide protection for new acquisitions as they are processed. Items are also evaluated when they are paged.
For further information please contact the Preservation Department.
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