Come and learn how to care for collections in this two-hour, introductory hands-on workshop. Participants will walk away with a solid foundation on the long-term preservation of their collections, both large and small. 

Topics will include:

  • the proper handling of objects

  • storage of media-based materials,

  • removing and placing books on shelving

  • how to assess the fragility/health of an object and,

  • if needed, how to properly support objects when in use. 

Following the introduction, through a lecture and powerpoint presentation, participants will learn key concepts and terms related to preservation, such as recognizing agents of deterioration, disaster response, and environmental monitoring.  Midway through the workshop we will discuss proper methods for handling and storing collections. We will utilize hands-on demonstrations as well as examples of what to do and not to do when caring for collections.  

10–10:15am — Welcome and Introduction 

10:15–10:45am Preservation Concepts 

10:45–1:30 am Storage and Handling 

11:30–noon—Wrap-Up & Questions 

This free workshop made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

NOTE: Masks will be required to attend the event.

Anne Hillam, a conservator in private practice providing conservation services for institutions and individuals in New York City and Western Massachusetts. She was recommended to us by our colleagues at The Morgan Library and has been in the field for more than 25 years specializing in the conservation of books and paper artifacts. She was previously Head of Conservation at the New York Academy of Medicine’s Gladys Brooks Book & Paper Conservation Laboratory. Anne is the Guest Lecturer for Book Conservation at the Garman Art Conservation Department at SUNY Buffalo State, a member of the Library and Archive Conservation Education (LACE) Consortium, and also teaches historic book structures both nationally and internationally, and is a Professional Associate in the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC).