The Conservation and Preservation Section (CPS) at the AUB Libraries focuses on the protection and care of AUB's cultural heritage, including the Early Printed Books, Maps, Manuscripts, Photos and Posters stored in the
Archives and Special Collections. The CPS also takes care of repairing the circulating materials that are stored in the
General stacks.
The purpose of the CPS is to take preventive measures to slow the deterioration of materials and to maintain and repair the print collections at the UL.
In this perspective, specific Policies and Techniques, going from Simple to Advanced Repairs, are followed.
Read More
The main threats to library materials include:
- The Environment in which those materials are stored: the humidity and temperature are monitored to control molds or insects. The light is also observed, as the ultraviolet light can also be an agent of deterioration. Disaster planning and Pest control are also part of the environmental monitoring.
- The Nature of the material: organic substances undergo a continuous and inevitable natural aging process, mainly because of cellulose, an essential component of many fibrous plant products, such as paper, cotton, and linen. Since 1850, wood has been the primary source of papermaking fibers and the quality of the paper turned out to be highly acidic; in time, it will become brittle and will self-destruct. Handling can also cause damage, as spines can be broken and torn away and pages can be torn or pulled out.
Read Less