Learn more about the work of our Preservation and Collection Care section.

Negative air machines cleaning air near the Ask a Librarian Desk

Libraries collections largely unscathed after Feb. 9 fire

Feb. 14, 2024

Library preservationists and fire remediators are working to return collections to service after an early morning fire in Norlin Library.

A close up of a section of the donated escape and evasion map.

Adventures in Preservation: Conserving newly donated World War II escape and evasion maps

July 12, 2023

In the latest edition of this series, the University Libraries conserve and research the recent donation of two World War II escape and evasion maps.

A gloved hand brushing the ice charts

Adventures in Preservation: Student worker restores historic ice flow charts

April 21, 2023

A student worker restored historic ice flow charts in the University Libraries' collection, saving irreplaceable data that is part of the climate record while making progress toward her own goal of a career in art conservation and restoration.

 1699 edition of Galileo’s Systema Cosmicum open to the frontispiece showing two engravings

Adventures in Preservation: Make a binding for Galileo’s Systema Cosmicum

April 10, 2023

Join our Preservation and Collections Care team on a series of hands-on adventures as they restore unique and historic items from our collections.

Hillary Morgan

How to treat burn-damaged books

May 23, 2022

Conservator Hillary Morgan teaches us how to remove soot and smoke odors from your book collection.

Debbie Hollis' family photo

Archivists share tips on how to archive your story

Oct. 29, 2020

From childhood photos to letters from a loved one, there’s nothing worse than losing access to personal or family memorabilia. That’s why, as part of American Archives Month, archivists with the University Libraries wanted to share tips and tricks on how you can care for and preserve your own personal...

Library books stacked

The best disinfectant for library materials is time

Aug. 18, 2020

For book borrowers, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised some concerns: What are the best ways to disinfect a book or other items typically found in library collections? The best disinfectant—according to conservators—is “time.” The University Libraries are placing all patron returns in quarantine for 96 hours, says Acting Preservation Manager...

Odour Wheel of Book Smells

The Science Behind the Smell of Books, Explained by Preservation

May 1, 2020

For many people, the smell of a paper book is enchanting. Books can remind us of chocolate, coffee, smoke, wood or vanilla. The aroma is so popular, perfumiers have tried to capture the essence of a book's smell through candles and even cologne or eau de toilette. But why are...

Galileo before treatment.

Happy Remote Preservation Week 2020!

April 27, 2020

What is Preservation Week? Memories and treasures should last beyond our lifetime and be passed on for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Preservation Week aims to raise awareness of the role conservators play in providing ongoing preservation and conservation services for libraries. What is preservation? Preservation is the...

Pamphlet 1

Preservation's Guide to Creating a Single Sheet Pamphlet

April 27, 2020

Looking for a new craft activity to try while at home? Conservators in-training, rejoice! The University Libraries' Preservation unit and the Book Arts League of Lafayette, Colorado can teach you how to make a single sheet pamphlet to further your crafting skills during Preservation Week. To get started you will...

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