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
Staff Education and Training
• Implementation of an Integrated Pest Management Program for Departmental Libraries
Conducted by the Conservation staff, this on-line guide provides detailed information on implementation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. For assistance in starting an IPM program in your library, contact the Conservation Unit.
For the same material in .pdf format, please visit here.
Current Workshop Offerings
• Preservation Orientation for Library Employees
The Preservation Orientation for Library Employees is a basic educational program about collections and their care within the Library environment. The program's purpose is to encourage good stewardship through developing awareness about how everyday activities affect collections. This program draws its inspiration from a program developed by Julie Page of the University of California - San Diego. We anticipate offering this program twice per year to accommodate all new Library employees.
• Library Binding as a Preservation Tool
Based upon an outline developed by SOLINET for educating librarians and support staff about library binding, this two-hour program focuses on educating participants about the following:
- why libraries bind materials
- how library binding differs from publishers binding and traditional binding,
- the mechanics of a library binding,
- how binding is accomplished at UIUC, and
- various strategies for improving the binding that subject and departmental libraries receive at UIUC.
This program will be offered once annually in the fall.
• Book Repair
Introduction to Book Repair - This workshop includes a general introduction to simple book repairs as a method to extend the life of collection materials as well as a brief discussion on paper types and degradation. Techniques covered include simple page mends using Filmoplast, paper fills using Filmoplast and buffered paper, reconstructing lost corners, and tip ins. Each participant will also create a weight to be used during repairs and receive the tools necessary to complete these repairs.
• Making Book Snakes
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All Library staff who handle books are encouraged to come to this workshop and personalize their own book snake. Partially assembled materials are provided so that each person can take back a functional and fun book weight that will gently hold open books without damaging fragile bindings or paper.
Educational Materials and Links
User Education
Additional Information About Preservation and Conservation