Module 2 – (Fall semester) Oct. 21 - Nov. 15, 2024

Archives and Libraries - Deterioration Factors. Preventive Conservation

Module 2

Workshop, 100 hours

Preventive Conservation Methods and Materials

Instructor:

1)  Conservation and management of books and archival materials

  • Analyzing risks in libraries and archives

  • Environmental controls – instruments and tools

  • Document state of conservation of material in San Gemini Historic Archives (SGHA)

  • Monitoring the climate in the SGHA

            Pest control, insect monitors, traps

            Disinfection of library and archive material

 2)  Work at the SGHA

  • Making boxes, envelopes, sleeves, cradles

  • Types of different boxes, passe-partout

 3) Materials used in conservation

 Visits

Perugia

  • Biblioteca Augusta

Terni

  • Archivio di Stato

  • Archivio Diocesano

Module 2

Theory class 1, 24 hours

Chemistry, Physics, Biology of Paper

Instructor:

1)  Chemistry and physics of paper

  • Raw materials of handmade Western papers

  • Chemistry of handmade Western paper

  • Sizing and coatings

  • Surface treatments of handmade papers

  • Analysis and identification of paper types

2) Biology

  • Identification:  molds, yeasts, mushrooms

  • Insects

  • Rodents and other pests

3) Chemistry and physics of inks, colors

  • Carbon inks

  • Iron gall inks

  • Colored inks

  • Printing inks

  • Synthetic inks and colors

4) Deterioration factors

  • Temperature, humidity, light, air pollution, human use

  • Paper damage

5) Bookbinding damage

  • Damage list

6) Microclimate condition

 

Module 2

Theory class 2, 24 hours

Libraries and Archives - Management and Conservation

Instructor:

1)  History of archives and libraries (an overview)

  • History of Western libraries and libraries

2)  Type of documents stored

In libraries: printed books, rare books miscellaneous archival materials

In archives: government records, reports, letters, certificates, diplomas, contracts, posters, passports, receipts, bills, diaries, drawings, architectural projects, photographs, maps, stamps, albums, free documents

3)  Physical structure of libraries and archives

  • Buildings

  • Storage systems

  • Historic bindings

  • Historic organization

3) Conservation management

  • Conservation plans

  • Risk assessment

  • Inventories and catalogs

  • State of conservation surveys

 4) Environmental controls

  • Temperature

  • Relative humidity

  • Light/radiation

  • Air pollution

5) Materials features and uses

  • Acid free papers (archival or museum grade)

  • From wood pulp, buffered

  • Lignin-free

  • Sulphur-free

  • Alkaline buffered

  • High cellulosic content

  • Polyester materials

  • From cotton fiber

6) Digitalization

  • Distribution

  • Organization