Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Caitlin and I discussed the timeline for returning the LPs and 45s to the Czech Museum yesterday, and we decided to start forging ahead with the final wash of the albums. We are using the same method we used right after the flood, when there was still a ton of mudContinue reading “Record Cleaning”
Category Archives: Mold, insects, and other agents of deterioration
It’s A Clover Mite!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 The “bug guy” stopped by this morning. It is, indeed, a clover mite. Had we just consulted our marking/binding supervisor, Deb, we could have skipped consulting with our pest control contractor. When I told her about the clover mite, she said, “oh, yeah, my grandkids love them. They like to squishContinue reading “It’s A Clover Mite!”
It Might Be a Mite
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 We had a little bit of excitement this afternoon. A student worker had a small red mite fall out of a book he was processing. We called the “bug” guy who will visit us tomorrow. We’re hoping it’s a clover mite. Apparently, they are plentiful this year. The clover mite doesContinue reading “It Might Be a Mite”
A Typical Day of Flood Recovery Work
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 I checked in with the conservation lab staff this morning. I happened to have my camera with me and thought you might like to have a snapshot of a typical day. This is the activity I captured at 10AM this morning. While the ledger from the Johnson County Historical Society driesContinue reading “A Typical Day of Flood Recovery Work”
Amanda’s Grandma’s Bible: A Tribute
Monday, May 25, 2009 Every once in a while, we get to make a difference in someone’s life. I think it’s fitting on Memorial Day and the anniversary of the Parkersburg EF5 tornado, to post these pictures of Amanda’s Grandpa opening the Bible that our conservator repaired as best he could. His wife, Amanda’s GrandmaContinue reading “Amanda’s Grandma’s Bible: A Tribute”
Suitcase Saga Part 3
Friday, May 15, 2009 For the exposed metal I started with a medium grain steel wool to loosen the more rusted areas. I continued to vacuum the loose particles. The next step will be using a double beveled knife to try to remove some of the more stubborn areas of active corrosion. When the metalContinue reading “Suitcase Saga Part 3”
Suitcase Saga Part 2
Thursday, May 14, 2009 After I removed a majority of the mold I began to lift the paper lining where it was detaching. I did not attempt to remove the paper where it was still adhered because it is so brittle that it would just fall apart. For the areas I could not remove, I gentlyContinue reading “Suitcase Saga Part 2”
Suitcase Saga Part 1
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 This metal suitcase from the African American Museum collection was covered in rust and mold. It is also lined with brittle patterned paper. It’s a mess. I consulted with Gary to determine the best course of treatment. To begin, I used the Nilfisk Vacuum with pipette attachment to get the fuzziest mold, being very careful toContinue reading “Suitcase Saga Part 1”
Majestic troublemakers
Thursday, April 23, 2009 Three volcanoes overlook the city of Arequipa. Arequipa is known as ¨La Ciudad Blanca¨ or The White City, because of Sillar, the white volcanic rock that many of the buildings are constructed of. Another less desirable byproduct of the volcanoes is a fine glassy dust carried by the wind to settle in a fine layerContinue reading “Majestic troublemakers”
Ojos Halcones Take Peru by Storm
Monday , April 20, 2009 For a week and a half, Gary, Joyce, and I have been working in Arequipa, Peru at the Recoleta Monastery. We have been stabilizing and protecting damaged books. Many of these books have been damaged in earthquakes. They are in suprisingly good condition considering how old they are and what theyContinue reading “Ojos Halcones Take Peru by Storm”