Detection and Treatment of Book Damages

Course location Zurich

How to mend tears or losses in the paper, how to repair a partly loose spine of a book, which adhesive can be used, and what is the procedure for brittle paper pages? Working with books is regularly confronting us with all kinds of damage patterns. Some of this damage needs fast and solid treatment to ensure the further use in a library or archive.
This course, which addresses librarians or archivists, as well as bookbinders with no prior knowledge, will show you all necessary steps, tips and tricks and an insight into the world of book- and paper repairs. Regarding the objects, which can be brought to the course, we will focus on the practical work and principles of conservation. Some objects may need further treatment and have to be forwarded to a specialist.
The emphasis is on the practical mending procedures, testing and interchange about various techniques amongst ourselves. There is also time for getting to know more elaborate mending techniques and the necessary materials as well as the removal of self-adhesive tapes and the suitable housing for the object.