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In 2002, a random sample survey of the 6 million books housed in the UIUC Main Library's stacks found that 35.64% of the collection was brittle (College & Research Libraries, May 2003). The term brittle denotes that the paper has become so weak that it is likely to break away from the binding or tear during normal use by a researcher. This may result in portions of the text or whole pages being lost.
Founded in January 2003, the Library's Brittle Books Program strives to replace or reformat portions of this significant collection of brittle research materials before the intellectual content is lost. Currently, we pursue three primary options when reformatting brittle materials from the Library's collections.
Our first choice, and usually the least expensive option, involves searching databases (for example, Books In Print.com, AddALL.com, or Amazon.com) for an available reprint of the brittle title. We avoid purchasing used original copies because they are likely to be brittle as well.
A preservation facsimile is created by digitally scanning the pages of the brittle book and then printing them on permanent paper. This paper used must meet the ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 Permanence for Paper Publications and Documents in Libraries and Archives . Upon completion, the loose pages are bound according to the established Library Binding Standard ANSI/NISO/LBI Z39.78-2000 Library Binding .
This work is completed by either UIUC's Graphic Services or a commercial vendor.
We also search OCLC for records representing microfilm of the brittle title. If the film is of preservation quality we may purchase copy. If the title has not yet been filmed, we may prepare the brittle book for filming according to established national standards and guidelines.
Documentation on the activities and processes completed by the Brittle Books Unit are available at Policies and Procedures.
Contact Information:
Annette Morris, Brittle Books Coordinator
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library
44 Main Library, MC-522
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, Illinois 61801
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