Book Repair Doctor To The Rescue

Caring for library collections is a challenge at any time, but particularly difficult when resources are limited. Public libraries want to maintain collections but with heavy use book and magazine can become damaged and show wear and tear and literally extensive tears.

This one-week workshop will provide library staff a better understanding about the destructive elements to paper-based materials and provide hands on experience in repairing paper materials. From archive collections to circulating book collections, from children’s books to reference materials and circulating volumes, all these materials can have their use extended through repair and treatment. Techniques include page mends, hinge tightening, spine replacement, corner repair, and book text reattachment through sewing and/or gluing. Become a book doctor and make your library and archive materials “fit for purpose.” Materials from the Ghost Ranch Library will be evaluated for treatment by participants and treated; however, participants are asked to bring materials in need of treatment as well.

This class is particularly useful to librarians working in public libraries in the local area, but private individuals wishing to learn the techniques for becoming a book doctor are very welcome.