Introduction:

Paper Conservation at Princeton

Paper conservation involves the preservation of a wide range of rare and valuable objects such as manuscripts, fine prints and drawings, maps, posters, broadsides, documents and related paper-based materials such as papyrus and illuminated manuscripts. The collections also contain very unusual objects such as optical views that have been conserved. Paper objects can degrade chemically through cellulose deterioration, which is caused by light, humidity and air pollutants as well as contact with harmful materials such as some pressure sensitive tapes. Deterioration can also occur through the improper handling of objects and biologically via exposure to active mold spores.

The goal of paper conservation is to stabilize paper-based objects to insure their continued existence. Paper conservation projects not only entail single item treatments, but more importantly, projects are tailored to assist the curators in developing programs that address the preservation needs of the whole collections. Conservation activities can take the form of planning and executing rehousing projects, developing archival housing standards, developing and monitoring environmental systems, and promoting the proper care and handling of objects by staff and users.

The paper conservation lab boasts state-of the-art conservation equipment. The spacious and fully equipped lab has been furnished to address practically any conservation treatment need. Equipment includes a large and small format photography systems with UV and IR capablities, an Olympus polarized light microscope and a Zeiss binocular microscope connected to a digital video camera system, a large sink assembly, suction table, leafcaster, a Minter welder and an edge welder for polyester film, and a fumehood.