Book Conservation

The Sherman Fairchild Center for Book Conservation is a 1,200-square-foot conservation facility located in the heart of the Thomas J. Watson Library. Here, a team of conservators and collection specialists are responsible for the long-term preservation, conservation treatment, and exhibition of Watson’s collection of over one million objects. Book conservation staff specialize in the technology and history of books, paper, and the book arts, part of the Museum’s broader conservation practice covered in Caring for the Met: One Hundred Fifty Years of Conservation.

Collections care and long-term book preservation involve the processing of incoming materials, training and support for handling objects, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management practices, creating custom preservation enclosures, and recommendations for digitization. Book Conservation staff also perform interventive, hands-on treatment of individual materials, prioritizing rare books, frequently consulted books in fragile condition, and items requested for exhibition. The team’s exhibition work extends to condition reporting, photographic documentation, and the installation and de-installation of materials for all internal and external Watson Library programming.

The staff publish on a variety of book preservation and conservation subjects and contribute to the development of the Watson Library collection. The Book Conservation team initiates and supports public and professional outreach activities and contributes to The Met’s engagement and interpretive programming.