Library Student Assistant Training

Preservation

While shelf reading, keep an eye out for any books that look to be in poor condition or need repair.

Alert your supervisor if you identify any items that may require preservation.

Common issues requiring preservation:

  • Mold and water damage.
  • Cover or pages feel loose when handling
  • Yellow/brittle paper
  • Torn covers, spine, or pages
  • Deteriorating leather 
  • Insect damage

To see pictures of real examples, review the images of the following two PowerPoint presentations:

 


 

Anatomy of a book