Preservation Unit
44 Library, MC-522
UIUC Library
1408 West Gregory Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801
217-244-1626
Conservation Lab
Oak St. Library Facility
OSLF, 2nd Floor
809 South Oak Street
Mail Code 527
Champaign, IL 61820
217-265-4198
Education and Training
Staff Education and Training
Current Workshop Offerings
*NEW* Environmental Monitoring, Integrated Pest Management and Mold in Library Collections
Ever wonder why preservation and conservation are concerned about the environment in your
library? Want to learn more about how we identify mold and harmful pests and how you can help your
collections? Come to this informative workshop where preservation and conservation staff will
talk about our programs and experiences with mold, pests and regulating temperature and humidity
with an eye specifically to the concerns in our libraries. Ample time will be provided at the end
for what we hope will be a lively discussion!
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
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