Study on mass conservation techniques for treatment of library and archives material
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English Slovak |
| Published: |
Paris
UNESCO
1989
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| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/smcttlam_89_1_28.doc |
| Abstract: | SUMMARIES. In order to assist in meeting the needs of Member States, particularly developing countries, in the specialized areas of Archives Administration and Records Management, the Division of the General Information Programme has developed a long-term Records and Archives Management Programme - RAMP. The basic elements of RAMP reflect and contribute to the overall themes of the General Information Programme. RAMP thus includes projects, studies and other activities intented to : - develop standards, rules, methods and other normative tools for the processing and transfer of specialized information and the creation of compatible information systems ; - enable developing countries to set up their own data bases and to have access to those now in existence throughout the world, so as to increase the exchange and flow of information through the application of modern technologies ; - promote the development of specialized regional information networks ; - contribute to the harmonious development of compatible international information services and systems ; - set up national information systems and improve the various components of these systems ; - formulate development policies and plans in this field ; - train information specialists and users and develop the national and regional potential for education and training in the information sciences, library science and archives administration. This study aims at describing the state of development in mass restoration and preservation methods whatever the medium may be; it highlights the various aspects, technical, economic, etc. and the importance of the role accorded to preservation in library and archives policy. Relying among other things on the results of the world survey carried out in 1986 by Unesco, IFLA and ICA among libraries and archives concerning preservation, the study examines step by step the different kinds of damage (mechanical, biological, chemical) occurring on library materials and their causes, the conditions in which the libraries are found, and methods of restoration. A short bibliography completes the work. Comments and suggestions regarding the study are welcomed and should be addressed to the Division of the General Information Programme, UNESCO, 7, Place de Fontenoy, 75700 PARIS, France. Other studies prepared as part of the RAMP programme may also be obtained at the same address. CONCLUSION. The most important results of recent years in the field of books and paper restoration are: - The vertical position of the sheets during wet treatment, - Periphery solutions used in paper-splitting and leafcasting, - The ability to maintain aesthetic works which are badly damaged. The introduction of safety measures such as the use of polyethylene and polyester sieves with the vertical positioning during all wet treatment has proved itself to be the best way of working. This factor will seriously affect the work organization and the basic equipment of the restoration work shop. Apart from the absolutely safe handling of even very fragile items, here also can quantitative and qualitative results be achieved, which are far above the results achieved With the orthodox methods. The high costs of investment at the out set pay off very quickly, and the fact that the lifespan is increased and that handling and care is simplified, guarantees a longer period of usage. Paper-splitting and leafcasting with the "long-sieve" machine (invented by Per Laursen) are well-known methods of stabilization which are capable of treating several hundred pages a day. It soon becomes evident that paper-splitting and leafcasting, as integral parts of stabilization could be put into practice very quickly. The main problems and reservations in both processes are to be found in the preparatory and follow-up processes of paper treatment. The use of sieves and felt made from synthetic materials and polypropylene felt means that work is mode more efficient. The combination of leafcasting and paper-splitting opens up further possibilities in high-quality restoration work. So that literature can be maintained in its original form, all hoof of historical sources should be kept. This includes the surface structure of the paper, sand-imprints of inks d other water-soluble printing materials. According to new discoveries it is questionable whether deteriorating inks, in differing stages of decay, should be exposesed to the wet treatment. Some kinds of iron gall inks and iron sulphate inks in literature decay in a similar very to rust. let treatment causes uncontrollable deletion or bleeding of inks and colors as well as the distribution of loose particles of the surface of the paper. Any known risks and elements of uncertainty can be reduced vixen treating paper with decay; irk by the proven technology of paper-splitting. Discoloring in colored illustrations or on historical maps etc. is one of the most serious kinds of damage in paper. Partial splitting of large format paper in particular opens up new horizons in restoration. The splitting process and the subsequent stabilization through the insertion of new material is only carried out on restricted areas of damage, Whilst other areas of the caper which are still intact remain in their original state. |
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