Preservation Unit
44 Library, MC-522
UIUC Library
1408 West Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801
217-244-1626
Conservation Lab
Oak Street Library Facility
2nd Floor
809 South Oak Street
Mail Code 527
Champaign, IL 61820
217-265-4198
#1: Someone has tried to attach this music score to its cover with postal strapping tape, creating a sticky mess.
#2: We can try to remove such tape by holding a scalpel as flat as possible and inserting it between the tape and the paper.
#3: The challenge is to lift up the tape without tearing or removing the paper fibers below it; this often proves impossible.
#4: Tape usually leaves behind a sticky residue and it may discolor the paper, as well. We can try to remove this residue with, for example, a soft gum eraser. Unfortunately, tape removal is rarely entirely successful.
It is best to avoid the use of any tape in books or paper materials. Library staff is requested to consult with available experts in mending and preservation procedures before using even "archivally safe" tape.
University LibraryFor comments on this page contact: Preservation & Conservation
Last modified by: Aaron Fleisher on 8/13/08
