Center for Conservation and Preservation

The Center for Conservation and Preservation provides a valuable service to Illinois libraries with circulating materials in need of repair by providing preservationally sound treatments performed by expertly trained technicians and professionals. Libraries face a dilemma when dealing with damaged materials because it is often very difficult to repair materials without purchasing expensive equipment and materials and providing staff members with specialized training. Under the direction of Milner Library's Preservation Department, the Center is uniquely poised to provide superior service and high quality work at a cost significantly lower than commercial vendors.

We look forward to the opportunity to provide these services to libraries in Illinois. Should you have questions that are not answered by this site, please contact  Beth Schobernd.

Services and Treatments Provided

Center staff have the equipment and expertise to perform the following treatments. We are also able to provide treatments other than those listed, please contact the Center for more information.

• Mend paper
• Reattach (tip in) loose pages
• Re-sew bindings
• Repair/replace spines (reback/remount)
• Construct new covers
• Reattach original covers
• Rebind adhesive bindings
• Bind unbound materials
• Tighten book hinges
• Construct custom boxes, portfolios and other protective enclosures
• Matting

All treatments can be initiated by contacting Beth Schobernd at the email address or telephone number below. Center staff will respond within one week. The Center accepts up to five items from an individual library at any one time. Cost and the length of time required for treatment varies. Owning libraries will be provided with an estimate before treatment is begun.

The Center also provides training workshops for staff of Illinois libraries. Topics for workshops include care and handling, repair for circulating collections, protective enclosures for fragile or rare materials. Other workshops can be designed for specific needs. Please contact Beth Schoberndfor more information on workshops.

Contact The Center

Staff

Conservator

Technician

The Center for Conservation and Preservation began as a result of a generous grant. Funding for the grant was provided by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).