The Next Chapter: Rare Books in Modern Times

Presented by the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts 

November 13 & 14, 2012 
Philadelphia, PA

Hosted and co-sponsored by:
American Philosophical Society

Millions of books are contained in 21st-century libraries, museums, archives, and special collections. Those defined as rare may be historically significant, scarce, unusual or innovative in format, or otherwise unique. The evolution from handwritten text to printed volume and digital page is indicative of cultural and intellectual growth and parallels improvements in the use and care of books. The book in modern times is a source of knowledge and a work of art. This two-day program will explore the definition of the rare book within the context of its physical history and current preservation concerns. Presenters will also address ways to engage the public with rare book collections in conservation work and exhibition planning.

Topics will include: 

•  Identification and description of historical bindings 
•  Preservation priorities and conservation issues for rare books in the digital age 
•  Digitization selection 
•  Objectives in targeting volumes for conservation treatment 
•  Rare book exhibition planning and interpretation 

Speakers: 

Maria Fredericks
Drue Heinz Book Conservator, The Morgan Library & Museum

Janet Gertz
Director of Preservation and Digital Conversion Division, Columbia University Libraries

Jim Hinz
Director of Book Conservation, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts

Consuela (Chela) Metzger
Conservator of Library Collections, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Julia Miller
Conservator in Private Practice

Steve Miller
Professor & Coordinator, MFA in the Book Arts Program, School of Library & Information Studies, The University of Alabama

Christine Nelson
Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts and Head of Interpretive Strategy,
The Morgan Library & Museum

Will Noel
Director, Special Collections Center, University of Pennsylvania

Eric Pumroy
Director of Library Collections and Seymour Adelman Head of Special Collections,
Bryn Mawr College

Program Fees: 

$225 CCAHA members
$250 Non-members

More information about this program and online registration is available at www.ccaha.org/education/program-calendar.

Major funding for this program was generously provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), with additional support from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Independence Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

About CCAHA 

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is the country's largest nonprofit conservation facility serving cultural, research and educational institutions, as well as individuals and private organizations. CCAHA's mission is to provide expertise and leadership in the preservation of the world's cultural heritage. CCAHA specializes in the treatment of works of art on paper, such as drawings, prints, maps, posters, historic wallpaper, photographs, rare books, scrapbooks, and manuscripts, along with related materials like parchment and papyrus. CCAHA also offers digital imaging services, on-site consultations, educational programs, fellowships, and emergency conservation services.

For information on additional educational opportunities, visit www.ccaha.org or find us on Facebook.

KIMBERLY MAGYAR
Preservation Services Assistant
264 S. 23RD STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA  19103
t 215.545.0613 f 215.735.9313
e KMAGYAR@CCAHA.ORG