We all try to describe the work we do to others. Many times, it is an abstraction to the listener, who must ask additional questions to understand. Helping others understand our work can be tricky.

For the past three years, my work has really focused strongly on enclosures (archival boxes, pamphlet binders, Colibri dust jackets, clamshell boxes, etc.). Special Collections & Archives has been moving materials to Offsite Storage, as well as, assisting with reorganizing our storage spaces. In this post, I will describe each of these enclosures made in the Preservation Lab, and how each one is made.

Colibri Covers- This product is a clear dust jacket, made from sugar cane fiber, which is excellent for paperback books. It offers protection from abrasion, and some UV protection. I refer to this as a ‘Seal-a-Meal’ for books. There are three sizes of pouches which are loosely fit onto the book. The book is then placed on a device that cuts and seals along the edges of the book. Every Colibri cover is customized for each book.

Stages of attaching a Colibri dust jacket

Strengthening Fragile dust jackets with heat-set tissue- Heat-set tissue is a thin tissue paper with a heat sensitive adhesive on one side. It is activated with an iron. I like to use it for backing items that are fragile and have no printing on the back. This strengthens fragile or torn items. Heat-set tissue is very good for strengthening old or fragile dust jackets as well.

A dust jacket repaired with heat-set tissue

Archival boxes- Archival boxes are made of a thin archival board, and for heavier items, a heavy corrugated archival board. There are two pieces which are cut and scored to the size of each book.
I use a scoring maching to make the crisp folds in the board.

When folded around the book, they make a strong, protective enclosure.

Archival box in stages of construction

I also use the same technique with corrugated archival board to enclose heavier materials.

Corrugated archival box

Pamphlet binders big and small- I purchase pre-made pamphlet binders for small items. For large items, I construct a binder. A 4-flap folder is made to size for each item, which is glued inside the appropriate binder. These are often made for thin, fragile or oversized items which need support when stored.

Oversized pamphlet binder

Often there is an existing box for an item which is a little too large. I create spacers for these items so they are snug and tight in the box.

Spacers inside an archival box

For valuable, important, or donated items, I often make a clamshell box. This box has two trays which fit closely together. These trays are glued inside a case, which is covered with book cloth and marbled paper.

Clamshell box

All of these enclosures, and others help make sure our materials are protected inside sound enclosures. This is very important for their long term use by patrons and scholars. I take this idea to heart, and enjoy the process, working with students and using creativity along the way.