Dried adhesive

Here's the problem.  The university president's wife thinks I'm a
conservator.  I'm not.  She sent me several volumes of Harvard Classics
belonging to the president, which have had "book repair tape" wrapped
around the top of the spine.  The adhesive has dried, leaving a white
residue on the deep red leatherette covers.

Next, she sent me these books two years ago. I called a conservator, he
gave me an estimate, I passed that on to her, but it was unacceptable.
Next, it would be great p-r if I could get this stuff off and I'm
willing to experiment, but I have no facilities and I know of the
potential dangers of working with solvents.

I've called around but I realize how tricky this work can be and people
are understandably leary about giving advice.

Any advice?

Jim Mason, Kansas State University.
(913)532-7437.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 5:23
                Distributed: Saturday, October 12, 1991
                        Message Id: cdl-5-23-004
                                  ***