[Preservenw] Taped spines

[Jack C. Thompson]

Although it is possible to remove the adhesive tape,
the underlying damage may require substantial treatment,
and it is likely that removal of the tape will also
remove part or all of the grain of the leather-bound
volumes.

In any event, the taped volumes will require conservation
treatment which may exceed the value of the books in
question.

Jack


>Hello, all!
>Please excuse what must be a basic preservation
>question, but I can't find a definitive answer in my
>own research and I'd rather not guess.
>I am transferring books from our circulating
>collection to Special Collections.  Some of them have
>been mended in the past with 2 or 3'' clear
>contact-adhesive tape, often covering the entire
>spine.  They are otherwise in their original bindings,
>and several are leather.  I would like to know: 1)
>should I remove the tape, and 2) if so, what method is
>best.
>Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
>
>K.
>
>
>
>Kirsten Erickson
>Special Collections Librarian
>Brooks Library
>Central Washington University
>400 E. University Way
>Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
>erickski at cwu.edu
>(509)963-1023
>
>
>Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise.
>-Surangama Sutra


Thompson Conservation Lab.
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