Historical Book Restoration (Request for Proposals)

Description: Treatment and stabilization of historical books number 457 through 481 to be preserved, restored, mylar and placed in Indestructo binders. Volumes are to be examined prior to treatment and control numbered as necessary. Volumes are then to be dismantled, removing all remnants of previous binding and adhesive. Previous repairs to be removed, insofar as possible without additional damage or degradation. Volumes are to be deacidified by appropriate methods after testing for solubility of inks. In the case of aqueous deacidification with magnesium bicarbonate solution, books are to be pre-washed several times in distilled water and then deacidified in a solution of magnesium bicarbonate titrated to 19. In the case of soluble inks another deacidification will be used. Tears, cracks, voids and other losses are to be mended with either Japanese tissue and archival adhesive, or LC archival tissue. After deacidification and repair, volume pages are to be encapsulated in archival quality polyester film of 3 mil thickness and sealed on three of four sides. Capsules are to have a minimum 1” margin on binding edge for placement in binders. Indestructo binders for historical books number 432 through 456 to be printed with identification information for Rockingham county registry of deeds with the appropriate book and volume number on each.