[PADG:589] Re: outside work for conservator to be done gratis

["Patricia P. Selinger" <patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx>]

Julia Merkel wrote:

> Drewes, Jeanne wrote:
>
> > I am wondering how others deal with special requests for conservation 
> > work from people outside the library but within the host institution, 
> > in our case a university.  We have requests from time to time for the 
> > conservation of materials that belong to faculty, donors and other 
> > departments. In  most cases this is expected to be done on work time 
> > and for free, meaning that the library pays for the work.  While I 
> > don't want to turn people away I also realize that this could get out 
> > of hand so I  want to have a policy I can refer to when needed.   I 
> > am wondering what sort of policy you have in this regard and would 
> > appreciate hearing from you.  I will compile for the list.
> >
> > Thanks, jeanne
> >
> > Jeanne Drewes
> > Assistant Director for Access & Preservation
> > Michigan State University Libraries
> > 100 Library, Room W 108A
> > East Lansing, MI  48824-1048
> > 517 432 6123 ext 147
> > Fax 517 353 8969
> > drewes@xxxxxxx <mailto:drewes@xxxxxxx>
> > <http://www.lib.msu.edu/drewes>
> >
> >  
> We don't have a written policy in place, but repairs are done on 
> request across the university. It is good PR for a little known unit 
> in the library.  I've had perhaps half a dozen requests in 2 years.
> (mostly from senior administration--in one case, a book that was 
> borrowed from another institution)
> ILL sometimes asks for assistance too. Requests from community members 
> are referred to a list of area conservators and bookbinders.

VCU follows the same practice as JMU.  A policy wouldn't work here 
because, as R. Milveski pointed out, there is always an exception that 
is "politick".   We haven't been overused in this area and it has 
brought only good will.  I explain the treatment plan, possible cost if 
they sent it to a conservation center, and suggest a donation to the 
library.  Several have donated, which has led our Development Office to 
create an Adopt-a-Book program to begin this fall.  We also repair books 
we borrow from ILL for missing pages as a courtesy (but nothing too time 
consuming/complicated). 
Patricia

--
Patricia Palmer Selinger
Head, Preservation Department
Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries

patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx
(ph)   804.828.1096
(fax)  804.828.0151