Cleaning Books and Documents Source: Preservation Advisory Centre, The British Library This recource provides guidance on simple dry cleaning methods for removing surface dirt from bound volumes and unbound papers. Surface dirt is defined as loose material which can be removed without rubbing and without the use of equipment other than brushes, vacuum cleaners, dusters […]
Archive | Books
Photocopying of Library and Archive Materials
Photocopying of Library and Archive Materials Source: Preservation Advisory Centre, The British Library Photocopying, scanning and photography are the most popular methods of copying books, documents and other archive materials. Most libraries and archives provide some form of self-service copying facility for users. Carried out incorrectly, copying can cause severe damage to collection items.
Using Collections
Using Collections Source: Preservation Advisory Centre, The British Library Much of the damage that library and archive collections sustain is caused by poor handling. Damage is often cumulative and not immediately apparent. A culture of good handling will significantly reduce the need for costly conservation work and ensure continued access to collections.
Guidance for Exhibiting Archive and Library Materials
Guidance for Exhibiting Archive and Library Materials Source: Preservation Advisory Centre, The British Library The exhibition of archive and library materials has the potential to damage documents and can even lead to loss if security measures are inadequate. Custodians of holdings should be aware of the risks involved from exposure to inappropriate environmental conditions, unsafe […]
Collection Emergencies FAQ
Collection Emergencies FAQ Source: Library of Congress QUick answers to questions such as what to do if books get we or moldy, how to remove the smoke and other smells from books, soot removal from books, and what to do about book worms and book bugs.
Care, Handling and Storage of Books
Care, Handling and Storage of Books Source: Library of Congress Taking care when handling any collection item, especially functional items like books with flexing parts, is one of the more effective, cost-efficient, and easily achieved preservation measures.
Native Plant Database
Native Plant Database Source: University of Texas, Austin The Native Plants Database is where you can explore the wealth of native plants in North America. Use the options below to search for 8,839 native plants by scientific or common name or choose a particular family of plants.
The Threat Posed by Alien Invasives
The Threat Posed by Alien Invasives Source: Botanic Gardens Conservation International Any plant species found out of its normal local is an ‘alien’. Alien plants do not often thrive, but when they do they can become invasive, which causes serious problems for our ecosystems and human economies.
The Weight of a Petal: The Value of Botanical Gardens
The Weight of a Petal: The Value of Botanical Gardens Source: American Institute of Biological Sciences Botanical gardens are crucial in this age of biodiversity crisis. Discussion of the role of Botanical Gardens in the conservation of biological and botanical species.
The Value of Living Collections
The Value of Living Collections Source: The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Living collections in botanic gardens and arboreta are precious assets that we maintain in trust for future generations