Preservation of the Early American Schoolbook Collection

FAIN: PT-50032-06

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI 48824-3407)
Jeanne M. Drewes (Project Director: December 2005 to June 2008)
Eric Alstrom (Project Director: June 2008 to October 2008)

This collection of 800 19th-century textbooks and 700 Sunday School books represents the range of secular and religious materials used to instill values and beliefs as well teach American youth. Such materials are scarce and generally in poor condition as a result of the circumstances of their production, heavy usage, and age. Preventive preservation will significantly extend their usability for research and exhibition. The university will conserve these materials through repair, rebinding, cleaning, de-acidification, and re-housing, as well as the creation of digital surrogates.

Associated Products

Save America's Treasures - Teaching Young Americans: The Early American School Book Collection online exhibit (Web Resource)
Title: Save America's Treasures - Teaching Young Americans: The Early American School Book Collection online exhibit
Author: Linda Barone
Author: Eric Alstrom
Abstract: This exhibit was created as part of the Save America’s Treasures grant awarded to Michigan State University Libraries in 2005. The goal of the exhibit is to educate the public about the fragility of our nation’s cultural heritage and how libraries and library conservators are saving the books from our past. The exhibit illustrates some of the conservation treatments performed on the Teaching Young American’s collection and how the library administered the grant.
Year: 2008
Primary URL: http://www.lib.msu.edu/exhibits/sat/index.jsp
Primary URL Description: Title page and contents of online exhibit

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