The Paper Conservation Lab offers a wide range of services for the care of unbound special and general collections items made of paper and parchment; chiefly broadsides, maps, manuscripts, photographs and ephemera from collections across the IU Bloomington campus.
Our purpose-built lab space allows for such basic treatments as mending, washing and surface cleaning but can accommodate more complex procedures like lining, tape removal, leaf casting, suction table washing and non-aqueous deacidification.
Preventive care is given through the custom construction of boxes, portfolios, binders and encapsulations. The lab consults with client libraries on issues concerning storage and exhibition environments.
From time to time we collaborate with other campus entities involved in materials research or who have significant paper-based collections in need of care.
The unit is staffed by the Paper Conservator and Paper Conservation Technician; both full-time. On occasion, student hourly workers, interns and volunteers are hired for specific projects. Staff also present to campus and public groups on various preservation topics. We are available by phone to answer questions from the public concerning preservation issues, however please note that we do not offer remedial conservation services to individuals or organizations outside of the Indiana University Bloomington Library system.
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