Workshops
aroline’s workshops are practical and tailored to the needs of any particular collection.
Groups of volunteers can achieve a high level of skill if given regular support and training; professional conservators may have a lack of experience in one area which a day’s focused training will resolve, or librarians and archivists may require a refresher in conservation practice or preventive conservation issues, such as the courses run by West Dean College at the British Library.
The aim of each course is to provide a practical understanding of problems and solutions to them, whether in the form of hands-on work, discussion or visual presentations.
Book Damage & Issues
Books may be damaged in so many ways. A poor environment will lead to problems, such as mould growth, distortion or pest infestations, handling without care and/or an understanding of book structure may lead to expensive and utterly unnecessary repairs, and unexpected threats, such as gravity, can cause major destruction of a book over time. Recognising damage, its source and simple and effective ways to resolve it is of key importance to the long-term well-being of collections.
Here are some examples of types of damage and other issues that can be found in libraries and archives, some with examples of before and after treatment.
Regarding tapes images:
Books have for many years been tied with tapes of varying colours. In a historic interior, these look unsightly, so Caroline designed a range of brown tapes – Heritage Library Tying Tape – that blend in better and are therefore more discreet. These can be found at the Conservation by Design.