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Preservation Division

CENTER FOR CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION

Milner Library's Center for Conservation and Preservation is excited to offer preservation and conservation services to Illinois libraries. Under the direction of the Preservation Department, the Center performs treatments on circulating materials and provides training for library staff. For more information about our services, please visit our website at www.library.ilstu.edu/page/988 or contact Soline d'Haussy at (309) 438-3450 or msdhaus@ilstu.

Preservation at Milner Library

The formal preservation program at Milner Library was established in 1990 and is governed by the library's Preservation Statement. The program supports the library's mission by preserving materials in all formats, and by maintaining the physical collection to ensure its access by library users. The Preservation Department includes the Bindery Preparation, Conservation, and Physical Processing units, and is administered by a full-time Preservation Librarian. The Preservation Department is a dynamic area, which is expanding to meet the traditional and evolving needs of Milner Library and Illinois State University.

Units

The Preservation Department at Milner Library, Illinois State University, does not provide repair or binding services for materials which do not belong to the library. We may, however, be able to assist you in locating appropriate service providers. Please contact Soline d'Haussy at (309) 438-3450 or msdhaus@ilstu.edu for information.

Disaster Response

Illinois libraries needing disaster recovery assistance are invited to contact Soline d'Haussy, Conservator, (309) 438-3450 or msdhaus@ilstu.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I eat in the library?
Food and drink are not allowed in Milner Library for several reasons. Spills, crumbs and other food residues can have long-term and short-term effects on library materials and equipment. Coffee, pop and even water can cause stains and distortions that can never be reversed. If books that have gotten caught in a spill are put back on the shelf before they are completely dry, mold can develop. Mold not only can damage library materials, it can also cause health problems for library staff and users. Drinks spilled on computers can short out keyboards and wreak havoc with other components.

Crumbs and oils from food can leave stains on books, magazines and microforms. They also attract vermin such as roaches and mice. These pests can be very destructive, are unpleasant to live with, and can present health hazards for library staff and users. Crumbs that find their way into disc drives can cause serious problems.

Can you fix my book?
The Conservation Lab does not provide repair service for materials that are not owned by Illinois libraries. We may, however, be able to assist individuals in locating appropriate service providers. Contact Soline d'Haussy at 309-438-3450 or msdhaus@ilstu.edu for conservators in this region. Professional conservators also may be located through the free Conservation Services Referral System of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC), 1717 K Street, NW Suite 301, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 452-9545, fax: (202) 452-9328, email AIC.

Can you bind my thesis?
The Bindery Preparation unit does not provide binding service for materials which are not owned by the Library. We can give you information on area commercial binders who do offer that service. Contact Soline d'Haussy at 309-438-3450 or msdhaus@ilstu.edu for the names of commercial binderies in the area.

My basement flooded! How do I dry my books?
If the water that flooded the basement is clean, you can probably handle the drying by yourself. Wipe off as much of the water as you can. If the covers and pages are still wet, fan the books open in a dry place and let them stand. Keep the air circulating by putting an electric fan nearby, but not blowing directly on the pages. If a book is completely soaked, put it in the freezer. Brush off ice crystals as they form. It may take several weeks, but freezing will desiccate the book. If the book belongs to the library, freeze it and return it as quickly as possible so Preservation staff can treat it.

If the water comes from a broken sewer pipe, or contains mud or silt, the damage to the books may be repairable but the cleaning may be very expensive. Consult a professional conservator.

Preservation Sites

Milner Library, Illinois State University
Page Contact: Soline d'Haussy
Last Modified: 2007-08-16 16:09:11