The primary goal of preservation is to prolong the existence of the Library’s collections.
Climate Control
The Frick Collection ensures a stable environment to protect its cultural property. The Library maintains a continuous temperature of 70° F and relative humidity of 50 percent, and the HVAC system filters out particulates and gaseous pollutants. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity throughout the system are monitored with Johnson Controls. The Conservation Department monitors specific areas of the stacks with hygrothermographs and IPI dataloggers.
Cleaning of Stacks
Shelves and books throughout the Library are vacuumed and dusted by Housekeeping staff, completing all stack floors on an annual basis.
Processing Acquisitions
All acquisitions are processed through the Conservation Department. Hardcover books are covered with polyester film to protect both book and jacket. Large softcover books are sent to the commercial bindery and smaller pamphlets are sewn into acid-free pamphlet binders. Paging Department staff works under the supervision of the conservators to sew pamphlets into binders and jacket hardcover books. Conservators evaluate pre-1970 imprints and fragile or nonstandard acquisitions to determine storage and treatment requirements.
Protective Enclosures
Several types of enclosures are purchased or constructed in-house to protect fragile materials in storage. These include, but are not limited to, four-flap wrappers, phase boxes, and drop-spine boxes.
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Drop-spine boxes |
Brittle Books and Ephemera
Brittle books and ephemera are reformatted through preservation photocopying if reprints are not available. The original materials are housed in protective enclosures and their use restricted. The Bookkeeper Spray System, a nonaqueous alkalization solution of magnesium oxide, is used to neutralize acidic paper prior to encapsulation between sheets of inert polyester film.
Disaster Planning and Recovery
The Conservation departments of the Collection and Library, in conjunction with Operations & Security departments, have implemented a comprehensive emergency response plan. Every department in the institution is represented in the Disaster Planning Team. Staff receives the Emergency Procedures quick reference guide, and emergency response kits are located on every floor of the Library. |
