{"id":1406,"date":"2017-01-25T20:13:32","date_gmt":"2017-01-25T20:13:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libapps.libraries.uc.edu\/thepreservationlab\/?p=1406"},"modified":"2022-08-09T15:24:00","modified_gmt":"2022-08-09T19:24:00","slug":"polyester-encapsulated-page-binding-part-two-the-components","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libapps.libraries.uc.edu\/thepreservationlab\/2017\/01\/polyester-encapsulated-page-binding-part-two-the-components","title":{"rendered":"Polyester Encapsulated Page Binding *Part Two: The Components"},"content":{"rendered":"

This past year, the Preservation Lab was recruited to conserve the Public Library\u2019s scrapbook of Althea Hurst<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scrapbooks are complex library materials.\u00a0 They are conduits to stories told through the use of collections of ephemeral materials (a.k.a. materials meant to be thrown away and not meant to last), such as newspaper clippings, letters and postcards, and maps.
\nDue to their collection of content, scrapbooks usually are bursting with problematic preservation issues.\u00a0 Often, fragile pages hold stiff, brittle, or heavy parts that are adhered and folded.\u00a0 Components are frequently found layered and overlapping. \u00a0These parts are filled with information and are intended to be handled and experienced; however, as the parts become fragile with age they are nearly impossible to touch without causing damage.<\/p>\n

\"Before1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Althea Hurst scrapbook with adhered components, before conservation treatment.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

In most situations, it\u2019s often best to digitize an object and protect it by storing it in an enclosure. I often recommend patrons reference the digital copy rather than handling the physical object.\u00a0 Alternatively, if an object will<\/em> be handled (and the importance of the object warrants conservation treatment) another solution is to support the pages by encapsulating them within clear polyester film.\u00a0 The polyester film encapsulations are then bound into an encapsulated page binding.\u00a0 This format help preserve the parts in the author\u2019s intended order, however, this course of treatment must be carefully considered as it can sometimes be an invasive solution if disbinding is required.
\nIn the case of the Public Library\u2019s scrapbook, the scrapbook had been previously reformatted by a prior owner due to its poor condition. \u00a0At some point in the object\u2019s history, each page and cover had been separated from the binding and stored in non-archival plastic sleeves to protect the pages from breaking.\u00a0 Oversized rubber bands held the album in two manageable stacks.<\/p>\n

\"Before2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Althea Hurst scrapbook as received, before conservation treatment.<\/em><\/p>\n

When the library received the object, the pages were in dire need of stabilization before it could be digitized and also needed improved storage.\u00a0 Because the scrapbook was already disbound into pieces (even the covers were detached) an encapsulated page binding was selected as the most fitting option for storage. \u00a0The local historical importance of the scrapbook warranted full treatment.<\/p>\n

\"Before3\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Althea Hurst scrapbook, view of inside upper cover and first page, before treatment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Being a novice in encapsulated page bindings, I reviewed a few binding structures and wrote about my discoveries here<\/a>.\u00a0 I settled on constructing a modified screw-post binding to fit the needs of the Public Library\u2019s scrapbook.
\nNow armed with a direction for constructing the album structure, the next challenge was:
\nHow do I encapsulate a scrapbook that houses a variety of adhered material, such as pamphlets, postcards, letters, maps, and more, and still make the parts accessible?<\/p>\n

Encapsulation Techniques<\/strong><\/h1>\n

To determine a solution for preserving the arrangement of parts, I researched various methods of welding paper, polyester film, and spun bond sheets of polyester webbing to encapsulated pages.\u00a0 I compiled the methods into a model binding for reference in preparation for treatment.<\/p>\n

Below are a list of experimental solutions for housing and encapsulating the scrapbook\u2019s multiple parts.\u00a0\u00a0 Many of the techniques were utilized in the final treatment, as you will see in the photographs below.<\/p>\n

1. Traditional Encapsulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n