The conservation unit serves the Libraries’ circulating items of Library West, Marston Science Library, Education Library, Health Science Center Library, Latin American and Caribbean Collections, and Architecture and Fine Arts Library. The primary work for these collections are book repair and pamphlet binding for soft covered, single folio items. We occasionally send some books out for commercial binding.
Book repair entails many types of work. The majority of repairs are rebinding–putting new covers on–and reattaching original covers to the book pages when the pages of a book need some work. Often only the spine needs to be replaced. Dogs love using the corner of books as chew toys so we perform a good bit of corner repair work as well.
Ultimately our goal is that items will come out of our lab stable enough for library use, transport via backpacks, and home use for a reasonable amount of time.
Contact: April Helena
april.helena@ufl.edu
What to send to conservation?
Answer Yes
Assessment of Use
– Has it been checked out in the last five years?
– Is this the only copy?
– Is there no digital access?
– Is it in a library and not a storage area?
– Is it expensive or difficult to repurchase?
Consult Us: Mold/Bug Damage
Damage does not include
– Food Stains
– Pen/Highlighter Stains
– Light Damage
– Brittle Items
What is Needed?
– Book Repair for spines, covers, and/or loose text blocks
– Pocket for extra things
– Errata/tip-ins
– Items under 50 pages that can’t stand on the shelves alone
– Flat Plastic spiral-bound items
To Do:
– Fill out a conservation request form. If you need some, contact us and we will send you some!
– Specify if this is a RUSH request
– Make a work order request in Alma
– Please DO NOT use post-it notes, tape, elastics, paperclips, staples, etc. Just tuck the form into the book.
– Place in mail bin or box spine side down. Use both hands when handling!
Questions? Contact Us!
4-2235 KATIE SMITH (FOR CONSULTING ON ONE BOOK OR SMALL GROUP OF BOOKS) (FOR CONSULTING ON WHOLE COLLECTIONS)
3-2650 JIMMY BARNETT (FOR ITEMS GOING THROUGH THE DIGITAL QUEUE)
4-1034 APRIL HELENA (FOR CIRCULATION RUSH REQUESTS)
