The Rare Books Department offers the conservation of a wide range of 14th-21st century bound materials including early and modern books, bibles, scrapbooks, and photo albums. Encapsulation, surface-cleaning, mold removal, adhesive damage, tear repairs, deacidification, and the preservation of leather covers or storage cases are just a sample of the treatments offered by this department.
Pre-treatment: This Victorian photo album had loose textblock pages and the cover had partially separated from the spine. Post treatment (right): The textblock was reinforced and reattached to the covers with new hinges and endsheets resulting in more stability.
Pre-treatment (above): As a result of aging, the two front and back endsheets were loose from the textblock and cover of this antique Persian Quran. The bound textblock was pulling away from the cracked spine.
Post treatment (above): The loose endsheets were reattached and the spine was stabilized and reinforced.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Pre-treatment (above): The book was lined with non-archival paper, but was in overall good condition. As a result of moisture exposure, the turn-ins were adhered to the inside front and rear covers of the book. Water staining and areas of discoloration are evident within both the front and rear covers. The edges of the textblock were soled, and the front inner hinge was broken.
Post treatment (above): The dust jacket was carefully freed from the covers using controlled moisture applications. All minor tears were repaired, and the non-archival lining was removed. The jacket was then recovered with mylar. Using comparable paper, paste-downs and fly-leaf were replaced from the front and rear covers. The spine was then reinforced and recased with replacement endsheets. The bookcloth was refurbished where necessary.
Example of a custom fabricated slipcase
