Margaret B. Harrison Preservation Lab
Preservation Treatment
Over the life of a library book, it sees a fair amount of use, often resulting in normal wear and tear. You may have checked out books that show some signs of use: dented corners, worn hinges, and damaged book spines. The Margaret B. Harrison Conservation Lab is where those books go to be repaired.
Career and student staff are responsible for the binding and repair of circulating library material. Materials meeting certain criteria are repaired in the Preservation Lab. Other damaged materials are sent to the UC Bindery for either re-casing or re-binding.
Books needing attention are usually identified by the Circulation/Shelving staff who direct them to Preservation Lab, where treatment options are considered.
The career staff are also integral members of the UC Davis Library Disaster Response Team.
History of the Preservation Lab
The UC Davis Library dedicated its Preservation Services on September 13, 1990, in commemoration of a longtime library supporter and bookbinder, Margaret B. Harrison.
Margaret B. Harrison became interested in bookbinding in the 1930s, apprenticing for a time with master bookbinder Hazel Dreis. Although she had originally planned to teach bookbinding, World War II intervened, and Mrs. Harrison spent the war years as an adjutant and then commanding officer in the Sacramento Women’s Ambulance and Transportation Corps.
She did not pursue teaching, but for more than four decades, her bookbinding skills enabled her to bind and preserve a number of volumes within the Western Americana collection that she and her husband, Michael, were acquiring.
After Mrs. Harrison’s death in 1980, her binding equipment and supplies were bequeathed to the UC Davis Library to support its binding efforts. In memory of his wife, Michael Harrison provided an endowment, the income from which is used to augment the library’s ongoing preservation programs.
Mrs. Harrison’s half interest in the Michael and Margaret B. Harrison Western Research Center was also bequeathed to the library.
Preservation Resources
UC Davis Library Preservation can only repair or bind materials which belong to the UC Davis Library. At this time we are not accepting volunteers or interns in the Preservation Lab. For your convenience, we provide the following list of resources.
National Archives and Records Administration: Preservation
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for preserving and providing access to federal government records. It holds significant historical documents, including the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. NARA ensures that these records are maintained for public access and research while safeguarding the nation’s history.
Library of Congress: Care, Handling, and Storage of Books
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, located in Washington, D.C and was established in 1800. It serves as the research library for the United States Congress and is home to millions of books, manuscripts, maps, recordings, and other materials. It plays a key role in preserving and providing access to the nation’s cultural heritage and knowledge.
Northeast Document Conservation Center
Founded in 1973, NEDCC is the first independent conservation laboratory in the nation to specialize exclusively in treating collections made of paper or parchment, such as works of art, photographs, books, maps, manuscripts, and more. The Center offers conservation treatment, digital imaging, and audio preservation services, as well as training, consultations, and disaster advice for collections. NEDCC is a trusted resource for information on the preservation of paper-based collections.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
AIC is the national membership organization supporting conservation professionals in preserving cultural heritage by establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public.
National Park Service: Conserve O Grams
The National Park Service Conserve O Grams are short, focused technical leaflets that provide practical and easy-to-use guidance on the care of museum collections. The leaflets are geared towards staff responsible for collections care and preservation. They cover procedures, techniques, and materials used in collections management, as well as care of different types of collection objects and materials. New topics are added as needed and out-of-date issues are revised or deleted.
Simple Book Repair Manual
The web version of the Simple Book Repair Manual was created by members of Preservation Services, Dartmouth College Library. Copyright 1996 the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
Image Permanence Institute
IPI was founded in 1985 through the combined efforts and sponsorship of the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology. IPI provides information, consulting services, practical tools and preservation technology to libraries, archives, and museums worldwide.