Exhibition Practices: Book & Paper items

by Susan Martin, Book & Paper Conservator
Head, Gladys Brooks Book & Paper Conservation Lab
New York Academy of Medicine.

Outline of Presentation

1. Exhibition dilemma: Access vs. Preservation
2. The enemies of books
   • Light
   • Heat
   • Humidity/moisture
   • Dirt & dust
   • Acidic materials/acid migration
3. Environmental concerns/controls: temperature, humidity & light levels
4. Exhibition cases: design & materials
5. Supports for books & for flat paper (hinging & matting)
• Commercial mounts/handmade Mylar cradles
6. Monitoring equipment:
   • Light meter
   • UV meter
   • pH test strips/pH pen
7. Resources available for information & assistance:
   • Conservation literature
   • Internet topics (including ConsDistList, Book Arts List)
   • Catalogues of suppliers
   • Regional centers (NEDCC, CCAHA)
   • Large libraries and Museums: Preservation staff
8. Grants:
   NY State Discretionary Grants, government grants (NEA, NEH, IMLS)
9. Consult a conservator:
   • AIC: www.aic-faic.org
   • Guild of Book Workers: membership@guildofbookworkers.allmail.net.