It’s March, 2020, and I’m home. When can I safely go back to work again? This question reverberated in my brain, and I’m sure the brains of all of my colleagues at ZSR Library. Slowly, I began to wonder how and if I could do my work, which is primarily, hand work. As this idea developed, I asked my supervisor, Tanya Zanish-Belcher, if I could bring my tools and supplies to my home. The answer was yes! So, I began a slow process of bringing a few supplies (archival board, PVA adhesive, velcro, and basic tools) and items for me to repair or re-house to my home. Patrick Ferrell is my ZSR connection and has been a tremendous help in doing this. Every other week, Patrick rolls a book truck of materials for me to work on to the ZSR loading dock for me to pick up. I leave my completed work for the Circulating Collection and Special Collections and Archives from the previous 2 weeks for him to return to the Circulation sorting area and the Preservation Lab. I appreciate this help immensely. Now, I have a small replica of my lab at home.
Of course, I have my computer set up:
This is my primary work area, where I repair books and make archival boxes:
I have the scoring machine which is used for making nice, neat folds on archival boxes. To make a box, you first measure the height, width and thickness of the book. These measurements are transferred to a piece of archival board, which is then cut and scored to wrap around the book vertically. Then, the height/width/thickness of the book is measured along with the vertical piece of archival board. These measurements are transferred to a piece of board as well, and becomes the horizontal piece of the box. The two pieces are glued together to make a cross shape of archival board, which completely encloses the book.
Nearby, on the right with a blue handle, is the “Corner Rounder” for making archival boxes open and close easily and making them last longer. The Kutrimmer, on the left with a red handle, is a very safe device, and is used for cutting archival board.
I have our Colibri machine on a table making it easy to use. This machine makes a custom fitted archival dust jacket, and is used often for Special Collections & Archives materials. The dust jacket is made of polyester, which is inert and will not adversely affect the book in terms of acidity. I like to refer to the Colibri machine as a “Seal-a-Meal” for books because it uses a heated metal bar to cut a pouch, and seal the polyester cover material into a custom-sized cover.
I’ve also been doing some re-framing for display in the SCA Reading Room (625). We always use a facsimile for display, and this is a facsimile of the cover of a student publication from the 1970’s.
It is great to be able to do the majority of things I would normally do in ZSR, at home. Slowly, as I was able to assemble everything at home, I breathed a sigh of relief and started repairing and boxing books. Thanks to everyone who has helped me. I look forward to returning to ZSR when things are safe.
21 Comments on ‘Home Sweet Home Preservation Lab’
A remote preservation lab! I love it! Thanks for sharing.
This post made my morning, Craig! Looks like a great set up!
Glad you found a way to make working from home work for you.
I love it Craig! Miss you!
Wow, so neat and clean and organized! I’m glad you can’t see my on “work from home” space. Over the winter break I plan to do a clean up/re-org. That Kuttrimmer is so nice and small! Is that yours or the library’s? I might have to look into getting one of those.
Wow, I’m impressed with how much you’ve been able to get home – thanks for making it work!
We miss you Craig! Glad you’ve got an awesome home set-up to get through this!
Craig, I am constantly amazed at your ingenuity and passion for preservation! Thanks for dedicating part of your home to this mini-lab and continuing to care for our collection!
I enjoyed reading about your work, Craig! Thank you for sharing!
Craig, this is a wonderful post and a testimony to your ingenuity and commitment to your work. I am delighted that you were able to figure all of this out! Cheers to you and to Patrick for creating ZSR Preservation 2.0.
Craig, as always, thanks for your absolute dedication to your work, SCA, and ZSR!
This is such a great post, Craig. It’s inspiring to see how you have used your ingenuity and determination to make it work during these uncertain times. Thank you for sharing your in-home preservation lab with us and thank you for allowing the work to continue to go on in your home since March 2020.
Wow, what a great work from home setup! That’s awesome! Impressive how you are getting it done!
Craig, you never fail to impress us. What a great “home office” you’ve made for yourself.
I wish I could help you with all your work! You utilize both craft and artistry while you care for the collection. And a hat tip to your ZSR hook-up, Patrick!
Thank you for sharing this! Not only did I get to see how you’ve amazingly brought some of the lab into your own home, but I learned a few more tidbits about how you get the enclosures made. A toast to your perseverance in preservation during a pandemic!
This is a wonderful blog to read, Craig. Your creativity is endless and amazing to watch!
Neat to see how you’ve set up shop at home!
Craigler, my man! Keep doing what you do so well.
Thanks for sharing — you definitely win the “How to Work Effectively from Home” contest!
Craig! This is amazing! I am a bit disappointed, though, that you didn’t lug home the letterpress. 🙂