General Topics
- My institution is interested in exhibiting some library materials for a special event. What is best way to display books and papers (cases, lighting, display cradles, etc.)? Where can I find products to display books and papers?
- I want to store my collection in plastic containers. I understand that some types of plastic are not stable. How do I identify the appropriate type of plastic for storage?
- I recently graduated from college. I want to become a book/ photo/ audio/ video conservator. What sort of education, training, and experience do I need?
- I have been asked to review and provide recommendations for a new food and drink policy in my library. What is the Library of Congress’ policy? What do most university and public libraries require?
- I need information on preservation in Spanish. Can you point me to some resources?
- I would like to donate my collection to an institution that will preserve it. How can I find an appropriate institution? Will the Library of Congress take my collection?
- I have been asked to participate in the selection of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment for my library/archive/museum. What resources should I consult? Are there national or international standards for the storage environment for library and archival materials? For works of art?
- How can I find a conservator in my area?
- How can I find an appraiser in my area?
- Where can I find archival materials for storing my collection? (books, photographs, audio tapes, video tapes, CDs, DVDs, vinyl discs, movies, slides, microforms, scrap books, etc.)
- What if I have other questions about preservation of library and archives materials?
My institution is interested in exhibiting some library materials for a special event. What is best way to display books and papers (cases, lighting, display cradles, etc.)? Where can I find products to display books and papers?
Environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and lighting are important to consider in exhibit planning, as are efforts to assure that the materials used in exhibits will not harm the unique materials on display. For general information on exhibits, refer to the information under the heading "Display" on the Library of Congress website Protecting Your Family Treasures Everyday, as well as our Guide to Preservation Matting and Framing. The ANSI/NISO Z39.79-2001 standard Environmental Conditions for Exhibiting Library and Archival Materials can be consulted for detailed information about environmental controls for exhibits, as can the leaflet Protecting Paper and Book Collections During Exhibition from the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC).
For a list of degree programs, as well as sources of individual workshops, refer to the LYRASIS leaflet Education in Preservation and Conservation.
For more information about the exhibit policies and practices at the Library of Congress, refer to the article “Displays: The Role of Preservation in Exhibitions at the Library of Congress ” in the IFLA 2006 international symposium proceedings, The 3-D’s of Preservation: Disaster, Displays, Digitization, pp. 73-96. [PDF: 1276 KB / 144 p.]
I want to store my collection in plastic containers. I understand that some types of plastic are not stable. How do I identify the appropriate type of plastic for storage?
If you are certain that the books and the storage environment are (and will remain) dry, plastic containers can be an acceptable storage solution. Otherwise, mold growth may become a concern, as plastic containers will significantly limit air circulation. Your choice of plastic is also important; be sure to use containers made of plastics that meet various ISO standards. These include polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), or Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate) (PET). The American Chemistry Council maintains Plastic Packaging Resins, a chart that notes plastic type by the recycling code stamped on many plastic materials. Note that PVC (#3) and Other (#7) should be avoided for collection storage.
Keep in mind that the environmental conditions of the storage area are also very important. Avoid storing books in attics and basements, as they tend to have very unstable environments. If using a storage facility, ask if the facility is climate controlled. We recommend a non-fluctuating environment with a relative humidity of 50% or lower and a temperature of about 68 degrees.
For more information, refer to the Library of Congress webpage Protecting Your Family Treasures Every Day.
I recently graduated from college. I want to become a book/ photo/ audio/ video conservator. What sort of education, training, and experience do I need?
Graduate programs in conservation have specific subject focuses: some concentrate on art conservation (e.g. paintings, artifacts), while others focus on paper-based material (e.g. books, photographs). Others have "preservation management" programs that prepare students to oversee preservation projects rather than focusing on specific conservation treatments. For a list of training opportunities, including degree programs, see
Art Conservation Training: Sources for Degrees, Seminars, and Mid-Career Training (Smithsonian Institution)
The Association of North American Graduate Programs in the Conservation of Cultural Property (ANAGPIC has information on member programs.
The Book Arts Web directory lists Book Arts Centers, Programs, and Educational Organizations.
The American Institute for Conservation of Art and Historic Works (AIC) website and their brochure Become a Conservator.
For an introduction into the various aspects of preservation, you may also want to take the free, self-paced, online course Preservation 101 offered by the Northeastern Document Conservation Center (NEDCC).
I have been asked to review and provide recommendations for a new food and drink policy in my library. What is the Library of Congress’ policy? What do most university and public libraries require?
The Library of Congress does not allow the consumption of food or drink anywhere in its buildings except for the designated cafeteria, coffee shop, and snack bar areas. In addition, food and drink cannot be brought into collection and reading areas, as they may attract pests, damage library materials, and harm the furnishings. See
- Food and Beverages
(Library of Congress) - Why Is Eating and Drinking in the Library Discouraged?
(University of California - San Diego)
I need information on preservation in Spanish. Can you point me to some resources?
- Preservation of Library and Archival Materials: A Manual (in Spanish) [PDF: 1.44 MB / 371 p.]
(Northeast Document Conservation Center [NEDCC]). Provides basic, practical information for non-conservator library and archives staff to begin collections care programs, as well as how to incorporate preservation principles into existing programs. - Lyrasis offers preservation leaflets in Spanish
- Latin American Conservation Resources For Libraries and Archives lists additional resources from the Conservation OnLine (CoOL) website.
I would like to donate my collection to an institution that will preserve it. How can I find an appropriate institution? Will the Library of Congress take my collection?
The Library welcomes inquiries about donations of library materials; however, it cannot accept everything. Prospective donors should NOT send the item(s); instead, send gift offers identifying the item(s) to be donated. Prospective donors of books published in the United States should also be aware that the Library acquires many U.S. titles through copyright deposit.
For more information, consult the Donation of Books and Other Materials section of the Library of Congress website or the leaflet A Guide to Donating Your Personal or Family Papers to a Repository (Society of American Archivists [SAA]).
I have been asked to participate in the selection of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment for my library/archive/museum. What resources should I consult? Are there national or international standards for the storage environment for library and archival materials? For works of art?
Several excellent publications provide an introduction to the environmental needs of libraries, museums, and archives:
-
Temperature, Relative Humidity, Light, and Air Quality: Basic Guidelines for Preservation
(Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) -
The Environment—Low Cost/No Cost Improvements in Climate Control
(Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) -
The Realistic Preservation Environment
(National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) -
Getting Function From Design: Making Systems Work
(National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Information on HVAC systems. -
Environmental Guidelines for the Storage of Paper Records [PDF: 1.78 MB / 27 p.]
(National Information Standards Organization [NISO]). Useful information on parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, gaseous contaminates, and particulates levels. -
Museums, Libraries, and Archives
(ASHRAE [American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers]). 2007. Museums, Galleries, Archives, and Libraries. Chap. 21 in 2007 ASHRAE Handbook: Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Applications. Atlanta: ASHRAE. - To further assist in formulating a preservation plan, the Image Permanance Institute (IPI) hosts a free Preservation Calcalator to give you an idea of the potential rate of deterioration your existing environment might be causing on your collection. Other free publications can be downloaded at their site as well.
How can I find a conservator in my area?
A free referral service is maintained by the American Institute for Conservation. You may select the type of conservation service you need, identify your geographical area, and receive a list of local conservators. For further information, see the publication Choosing and Working with a Conservator (Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC).
How can I find an appraiser in my area?
You can find a professional appraiser through the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. Their website features a Collector’s Corner, advanced book searching capabilities, and a membership directory of appraisers indexed by subject and geographical area.
To obtain an informal appraisal of your books, search the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers website. It also contains information about the rare book market, book fairs, and other related events. Auction catalogs are another indispensable resource for informal appraisals.
A list of resources can be found at the Smithsonian Institute website. It includes a bibliography, professional contacts, and suggestions for selling valuable objects.
It may also be helpful to check with universities, libraries and museums in your area for workshops,
conferences, and other events connected with rare books.
Where can I find archival materials for storing my collection? (books, photographs, audio tapes, video tapes, CDs, DVDs, vinyl discs, movies, slides, microforms, scrap books, etc.)
Several organizations maintain up-to-date lists and databases of conservation suppliers and service suppliers:
Suppliers List (Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC)
Conservation Suppliers (Conservation Online (CoOL)
Preservation Services and Supplies Database (LYRASIS)
Supplies and Services Directory (Guild of Book Workers)
What if I have other questions about preservation of library and archives materials?
Visit Ask a Librarian, an online reference service from the Library of Congress.
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