Book Conservation: Stabilization

Some materials require additional measures to ensure that they are not damaged while on the shelf or in transport to the Reading Room. Additional stabilization, or “shelf readiness”, should be done for any books with delicate external features, damage to the covers or spine, or that cannot support themselves when shelved upright. Stabilizing a book not only protects features of the book itself, but can also prevent damage to other materials shelved near the item.

When determining what type of stabilization is needed for a book, assess if the book is damaged and, if so, how much damage has been done to it. Are the boards completely detached from the spine? Can the book stand on its own? Does the text block fall apart or stay together? These will be your first indications for how much support this book will need.

You will also need to consider how much stress the book is placing on its neighbors. For example, is there a piece of the book, such as a metal decoration, pressing into the book beside it? If the book is creating problems to other books, then it may be a candidate for additional support or an enclosure.

Preservation materials are stored at the student workstation and in the basement (Young 010). Boxes of different shapes and sizes are stored at West Street. Any materials placed in an enclosure should have relevant identifying information included on an outside label (author, title, call number, etc.) for easy identification on the shelf.

Books that need a little bit of support

Cotton Tape:

Cotton tape is used to stabilize some books with loose, damaged, or detached spines and covers. This method helps reduce further damage to the book and keeps all parts of the book together. Using a single piece of cotton tape, lay the tape horizontally, then wrap it around vertically, as if you were wrapping a Christmas present. Tie the book at its head (i.e. top) snugly, but without causing additional stress to the boards. Some books need more than one piece of cotton tape if the spine is loose in multiple places or if the item is oversized.

Books that have weak or delicate covers

Binder’s Board:

Binder’s board is used to support books that need more support than cotton tape, but do not require a box. Books in this category often are paperback books, books with publisher’s bindings (hardback, paper covered, and often blue in color), or vellum bindings.

Cut down a piece of binder’s board to the size of the book. You will need two pieces of the same size to properly support the book.

If you are using a new piece of binder’s board, cut down the board uniformly and then size from smaller pieces of it, so that the board is used as efficiently as possible. Carefully use a ruler and Exacto knife to cut down larger pieces of binder’s board and then use the cutting board for smaller pieces. Save any extra pieces, group them by size, and store them on the student workspace shelf, if they fit. Boards that do not fit on the shelf can lean against the wall.

Once the boards are cut to the appropriate size, place one on each side of the book. Tie the boards to the book using the tying method described above.

The book’s call number should remain on a book flag that is placed into the book. It should not be written on the binder’s board.

Dust Jackets:

Dust jackets should be protected with a mylar cover, cut to the appropriate size for the book. A roll of the book cover material is currently in one of the MRBC storage cabinets in the basement (Young 101).

Books and objects that need considerable support and protection

Book Boxes:

Occasionally, books will need more support than binder’s board alone can provide. Books that fit into this category often have multiple problems. For example, if a book has loose hinges (between the board and the spine), a broken spine, and crumbling boards, then it likely needs a book box.

There are two varieties of book boxes: adjustable phase boxes and clamshell boxes. Phase boxes tend to be suitable for most books, as this type of box wraps entirely around the book. If this is not adequate support, then a clamshell box can be used. These tend to be more expensive than phase boxes, however, so reserve this type of box when nothing else will provide proper protection and support to a book.

Object Boxes:

Some items acquired are not books and can be damaged by books if they are not properly separated. These objects include items such as woodblocks and games. Object boxes are helpful containers into which items can be placed. Place the item into an appropriately sized box (West Street has more boxes) and support it as needed with archival-friendly tissue paper.