Course Objectives
The course aims to teach the basic skills needed by book and paper restorers in modern collections of libraries, archives and museums. The course does not cover medieval codexis, manuscripts on parchment, documents on papyrus, amate, or other forms of non-western traditional papers. It will also deal in a very limited way with special coated papers, for example, photographic paper or reproduction papers, such as: blueprints, sepia papers, and thermal papers.
Course Structure
Nine months (Sept. 16, 2024 - May 23, 2025)
Seven modules: Each four-week module is separated by a nine-day break. The break between the second and third modules corresponds to the US holiday of Thanksgiving.
Each module deals with different subject matter. At the end of each module there will be tests and evaluations.
Each four-week module includes:
o One workshop class, 100 hours
o Two theory classes, 24 hours each
MODULE 1: The History and the Materials of Library and Archival Documents
Sept. 16 - Oct. 11, 2024
Workshop: The Structure of Books and Their Material Components
Theory : History of Writing and Writing Media
Theory: History of the Codex and of Printing
MODULE 2: Deterioration Factors. Preventive Conservation. Monitoring Environment
Oct. 21 - Nov. 15, 2024
Workshop: Preventive Conservation Methods and Materials
Theory: Chemistry, Physics, Biology of Paper
Theory: Libraries and Archives - Management and Conservation
MODULE 3: Restoration Treatments of the Text, Block I - Handmade Paper
Nov. 18 – Dec. 20, 2024
Workshop: Restoration of Handmade Paper
Theory : Handmade Papers: Conservation Methods and Materials
Theory: Planning and Managing a Book Restoration
MODULE 4: Restoration Treatments of the Text, Block II - Machine-Made Paper
Jan. 6 - Jan. 31, 2025
Workshop: Restoration of Paper in Books
Theory : Types and Features of Modern Machine-Made Paper
Theory: Chemistry of Modern Papers
MODULE 5: Bookbinding Structures (16th – 17th Centuries)
Damage and Restoration Treatments I (Traditional Structures)
Feb. 10 - March 7, 2025
Workshop: Structure of Bindings - Dismantling and Restoring Bookbindings
Theory : Bookbinding Structures (16th & 17th Centuries)
Theory: (16th and 17th Century Books) – Materials, Deterioration Factors,
Approaches to Restoration
MODULE 6: Bookbinding Structures (18th - 19th Centuries)
Damage and Restoration Treatments II (Modern Structures)
March 17 - April 11, 2025
Workshop: Structure of Bindings – Dismantling and Restoring Bookbindings
Theory : Bookbinding Structures (18th & 19th Centuries)
Theory: Bookbinding (18th and 19th Centuries) – Materials, Deterioration Factors,
Approaches to Restoration
MODULE 7: Bookbinding Structures (20th Century)
Damage and Restoration Treatments (Contemporary Structures)
April 21 – May 16, 2025
Workshop: Contemporary Bindings - Restoration
Theory : Contemporary Bindings - Types and Materials
Theory: Approaches to Contemporary Bookbinding Restoration and Issues
PRESENTATION: Presentation Week
Students finish and present their personal restoration projects.
May 16 - 23, 2025
