So, what exactly is preservation? And is it the same as restoration and conservation? Despite how often the terms preservation, conservation, and restoration and used interchangeably, they are different. Preservation actions include things like rehousing, building enclosures, and environmental monitoring. Conservation actions include paper mending and repairs, and stabilizing items. Restoration of items can include… Read more »
Out of the various enclosure types we build here at Special Collections, the clamshell is the most time-consuming. It is therefore also selected rather sparingly. Traditionally, we use it for books of high value that warrant a visually-appealing enclosure. Although it is very protective, it is just slightly more protective than a heavyweight phasebox. For… Read more »
Building enclosures is a core part of day-to-day preservation work. Learn about the enclosures we build.
Why Do Paper Repair? There are three key benefits to mending torn documents and prints. The first, and perhaps most important from a preservationist’s perspective, is preventing future damage. If paper is torn, then it is only easier to tear it more when handling, even if one is to handle it carefully. Through paper mending,… Read more »
How we treat collection materials with mold.
Learn about foxing and how to differentiate it from mold.
While you may not have a full preservation lab at your disposal, there are many things you can do to prolong the life of your treasured materials. Environment At the very least, materials should be kept in cool, dry places. A garage or attic are often some of the worst places to store your materials… Read more »
Special Collections recently acquired the long-lost UNT mascot, Eppy. There is much lore surrounding the story of Eppy, but here is our University Archivist, Jess Tucker’s experience tracking down Eppy: “I heard about the missing mascot not long after I started working at UNT. Early on, I went to a meeting with some UNT Facilities… Read more »
Book cradles are important tools when viewing or displaying books. It supports a book, holding it open at a certain angle thereby reducing stress on the spine by not forcing the book to lay flat, creating a stable structure to view the book (especially if it is fragile and the covers are detaching), and minimizing… Read more »
Board game expansions? No box to fit them in? No problem! When the Media Library asked if there was a way to house the board game, Everdell, and its multiple expansions, I said I would be happy to create some sort of custom box. The result? A heavy duty clamshell with a pull out drawer…. Read more »
