Preservation Division

Preservation at Milner Library

The preservation program supports the library's mission by maintaining the library's collection in usable condition and ensuring continued access by library users. The Department is administered by a full time preservation librarian and includes units for bindery preparation, conservation, physical processing and stacks maintenance. The department also oversees disaster planning and manages special preservation projects. The preservation department is a dynamic area, which is expanding to meet the traditional and evolving needs of Milner Library and Illinois State University.

Center for Conservation and Preservation

Milner Library's Center for Conservation and Preservation offers preservation and conservation services to Illinois libraries. Under the direction of the preservation department, the Center performs treatments on library materials and provides training for library staff. For more information about services, please visit the Center's website at www.library.ilstu.edu/page/988 or contact Ross Griffiths at (309)438-7463.

Contacts

• Preservation librarian (contact: Ross Griffiths rmgriff@ilstu.edu)
• Bindery preparation (contact: Deb Shuck dkshuck@ilstu.edu)
• Conservation (contact: Andrew Huotahuot@ilstu.edu)
• Processing (contact: Lynn Danner wldann@ilstu.edu)
• Stacks maintenance (contact: Sue Rovens sbrovens@ilstu.edu)

Disaster Response

The Preservation Department is also responsible for preparing, implementing and updating Milner Library's Disaster Plan.

Illinois libraries needing disaster planning or recovery assistance are invited to contact Ross Griffiths at (309) 438-7463.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I eat in the library?
Food and drink are not allowed in Milner Library for several reasons. Spills, crumbs and other food residues attract pests, including roaches and mice, that attack library materials and are difficult to eradicate. Food and liquids will cause stains and distortions to paper and that can never be reversed. Books dampened by a spill and put back on a shelf can grow mold that will endanger other materials and cause health problems for people. Electronic equipment, especially computers, is especially sensitive to liquids and crumbs. Finally, food odors can be downright obnoxious to other patrons and food stains will permanently mar carpeting and furniture.

Can you fix my book?
The Conservation lab only provides repair service for materials owned by Illinois libraries. A staff member may, however, be able to assist individuals in locating appropriate service providers for you. Contact Ross Griffiths at (309) 438-7463 or rmgriff@ilstu.edu for information about conservators in this region.

Professional conservators also may be located through the free Conservation Services Referral System of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), 1717 K Street, NW Suite 301, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 452-9545, fax: (202) 452-9328 email AIC.

Can you bind my thesis?
The binding preparation unit only handles materials beloning to Milner Library A staff member will be able to direct you to commercial binders in the area. Contact Deb Shuck for more information. dkshuck@ilstu.edu

My basement flooded! How do I dry my books?
For library materials: return the item as quickly as possible in a sealed plastic bag so conservation staff can treat it. Please do not deposit wet materials in a library drop box.

For personal items: If the flood water is clean you can handle the drying by yourself. Wipe off as much of the water as you can. If the covers and pages are still wet, fan the books open in a dry place and let them stand. Keep the air circulating by putting an electric fan nearby, but not blowing directly on the pages. If a book is completely soaked, put it in the freezer. Brush off ice crystals as they form. It may take several weeks, but freezing will desiccate the book.

If the water comes from a broken sewer pipe, or contains mud or silt, the damage to the books may be repairable but the cleaning may be very expensive. Consult a professional conservator.


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Preservation Sites

• Darmouth's Book Repair Manual is basic how-to guide for book repair.
• Conserv-O-Gram documents from the National Park Service detailing collections care for multiple formats
• Harvard University's Preservation site give a broad overview of conservation efforts for different formats within the University Library.
• Heritage Preservation maintains this site about disaster preparedness and recovery for heritage institutions, include libraries.