Today we celebrate Preservation Week! Organized by the American Library Association (ALA), the event reminds us of the importance of preserving not only our personal past, but also the vast resources of our libraries. In 2005, a comprehensive national survey showed that US institutions hold over 4.8 billion items, 63% of which are in libraries. Uncounted items held by individuals also include books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, ephemera, audio recordings, and objects.
Here at Books Tell You Why, we love all things Charleston, especially the Charleston Library Society. Recently the Society opened up a new bindery and asked an emerging talent in the book binding world to take its helm. At 22, Brien represents a new generation of dedication to rare and antiquarian books. Brien was kind enough to chat with us about how he discovered the craft of book binding, the projects he's worked on, and the future of his craft.
Over the years, book conservators have used a wide variety of techniques for preserving, conserving, and repairing rare books. Some of these techniques are more effective than others; indeed, many practices that were commonplace in centuries past actually damaged rare books, rather than protecting them. Contemporary conservators often find themselves having to undo the work of their well-meaning predecessors.
Regardless of where you live, maintaining the ideal environmental conditions in your personal library presents specific challenges. Conservation of rare books requires keeping your library at a certain temperature and humidity.
We rare book collectors have all seen it: a dealer, librarian, or other expert dons a spotless pair of white gloves before laying a single finger on some priceless volume. The practice is especially common in special collections libraries, where white gloves are considered an integral part of protecting antiquarian books. Should collectors follow suit and use the gloves for handling antiquarian books in their personal libraries?
If youve found rare books in unlikely places, such as garage sales or in long forgotten boxes, youve probably also encountered books that are in less than pristine condition. These books may be valuableand downright dirty. But should you clean these rare books, or leave the dirt as part of the books patina?
Never judge a book by its cover, right? In the case of rare books, the cover or more accurately, the binding of a book can significantly impact the book's value. Collectors should know about the materials and terminology associated with book bindings.
Mother Nature can wreak havoc on rare books. Sunning, water damage, and humidity can all cause damage to your collection. Another enemy of your books may also be lurking on your shelves: the dreaded bookworm. Bookworms will tunnel right into the block, riddling the book with countless gullies and channels.
We all know that aroma. Perhaps it evokes trips to the library as a child, or the cozy ambience of a grandfathers study. Its the distinctive scent of old or used books.
The process of gilding has existed since ancient times, when both Greeks and Egyptians covered wooden statues in metal. The technique was picked up by book binders as a means to protect pages from the oils and dirt of human handsin addition to making the book itself more beautiful.
