Book repair in the U.S.A.: a library-wide approach to conservation

Abstract: Modern research library collections are a composite of both rare and non-rare books the majority of which are out of print and irreplaceable. Consequently, conservation treatment priorities cannot responsibly ignore non-rare material without shortchanging future scholarly needs. To address this concern, library conservators in the U.S.A. have begun applying a holistic approach to repairing damage in research collections and designing treatment approaches to provide the greatest good for the broadest portion of the collection.