Conservation Assessment of Rare Book Collection

FAIN: PA-51118-05

Historic New England (Boston, MA 02114-2702)
Lorna Condon (Project Director: May 2004 to October 2006)

A conservation assessment of the rare book collection of architectural history, which will identify immediate conservation treatment needs and develop a long-term conservation plan.

Two expert consultants will make a conservation assessment of SPNEA’s Rare Book Collection. The work will focus on the collection’s environmental needs, proper cleaning & handling, space & housing requirements, and identify any titles needing immediate treatment. Included will be a long-term conservation plan for 2,000 16th to 20th century titles in the Collection, and individualized treatment proposals for approximately 50 titles selected by SPNEA’s Curator of Library & Archives. Project opportunities for future interns will also be identified. Estimated time required is 4 days on-site and 3.5 days off-site work. This conservation assessment project will ensure both the preservation and accessibility of this important collection.