Conservation & Preservation
Donations have assisted in the purchase of materials and equipment vital to the continuing preservation of invaluable books, maps, and reference material and making accessible the history of Indiana to all Indiana residents.
Conservation and Preservation
The mission of Indiana State Library Preservation Services is to improve and ensure long-term, ongoing access to the cultural and historical collections of the Indiana State Library.
The department, staffed by one full-time conservator, as well as volunteers and occasional interns, fulfills this primary goal by providing conservation treatments of collections items and implementing preventive care and administrative policies. The conservator also provides information and training to the statewide library community and, on occasion, the general public through consultations and workshops.
In December 2014, the ISL Preservation Department opened the Martha E. Wright Conservation Lab in honor of one of our former Librarians. Ms. Wright’s generous donation to the Indiana State Library Foundation for the preservation of our collections continues to aide our ability to restore access to fragile and rare collections, assure the continued access to all of our materials, and remember her personality, her work, and her love of the ISL.
Conserving a map of the French Colonies in North America
These are photos of backing removal on “Canada ou Nouvelle France” ISLZ 912.7NA 1685, a map of the French colonies in North America in 1685. It had been lined twice in the past, and the lining was obscuring the text on the back of the map. Cataloging Division Supervisor Jocelyn Lewis assists Conservator Valinda Carroll and was able to use the text to confirm the date and source for the map to enhance the record in the catalog (the map was originally published in an atlas).
The conservator is using tweezers to peel away the old, acidic, yellow lining paper.
There was a second lining paper under the yellow paper.
The map was immersed in reverse osmosis-filtered water to release the paste on the second lining.
The second lining was peeled off the map under water.
Get Involved Today!
Join us in our mission to protect and celebrate Indiana’s rich history. Your support can make a real difference. Whether it’s donating your time or making a contribution, every effort helps us preserve invaluable resources for future generations. Together, let’s ensure our heritage is honored and cherished.