Additional Services
Environment and Storage
Preservation & Conservation has its own devices that collect temperature and humidity in all library collection spaces. This information is uploaded into eClimateNotebook to compare it to the local weather data and dew point, and to help us track trends over time. While our mechanical controls for adding or reducing humidity independently are minimal, control of temperature can help us avoid conditions conducive to mold growth on materials. Our data, along with the careful observations of staff throughout the library help us keep collections safe. Our work with the environment also includes Integrated Pest Management procedures. We have blunder traps to gauge insect levels, or the incursion of new insects, and we follow up with facilities to be sure all insect and rodent control measures are also safe for the collections. Preservation & Conservation manages two industrial freezers, and three ductless fume hoods that we can deploy to stabilize and mitigate insect infested, moldy, or wet materials. We also advise on collection safety for construction projects, new shelving or other library equipment, and all issues related to safe exhibit practices.
Handling and Transport
Preservation & Conservation helps plan the logistics of complex library object moves and handling. This can mean contracting to have an art handling company hand carry a large architectural model to a new location, or finding a safe way to keep a medieval book open to a certain page while being viewed in a special collections classroom. We use campus cars when needed, we help design transport containers, and we advise on carts and reading room cradles. With library collections located all over campus, and acquisitions that range from fine art to cuneiform, there are always new challenges. Packing for loans to other institutions is a specialized context, and we regularly collaborate with art transportation companies, and occasionally even courier materials when extra levels of security and are required.
