book truck bumper sticker

Transporting via large piles for books and collections is never a good idea. When moving bulky materials (or a large number of them), the best way to safely get them (and yourself) from Point A to Point B is via book truck. But they don’t have to be all business – I’ve seen them done up with slick magnetic poetry and some of those (magnet) bullet holes.

Think Disaster Planning

No, really. You clearly don't want to be caught off guard.

Preservation Paper Dolls

Arguably, since the start of this project its been hard to keep my children engaged in preservation needs. But they are only two – and very into pretend. The other day I came up with the most insane idea ever. Preservation. Paper. Dolls.

No – stay with me – what if we made a librarian who could wear his/her bookbinder’s apron AND the book to carry? Could only be held by the ends of the spine (there are NO tabs on the headcap or tailcap, so its impossible for this preservation doll to carry the item the wrong way).

I know – I’ve completely lost it. But the twins seem to like the idea – they color in their template, I cut out the pieces and off we go.

And if you’re feeling especially fruity, you can make him/her the required disaster kit tyvek full body suit (this paper doll’s suit is actually made out of real tyvek – I had scraps lying around).

Commit me if you must – but I am going to make preservation interesting for the under-five crowd. 

Tyvek "L" shaped enclosures

I have this dream someday to make an archive for cooking items from the 1950s. Mid-century modern culinary library (or something of the sort). Tyvek is a fabulous substance for loose papers and books – its anti-static and protects against wear (side note, try tearing a piece - its impossible). Its also something which can be rescued from recycling and put into use immediately.

Back to my kitchen archive – three items I have are all odd sizes. For this DIY project I salvaged some great pieces of Tyvek, measured a selection of my items and created “L” shaped holders for them; I also identified them on the outside using an archival pen. Note: lots of tyvek is not archival quality and is meant for short-term storage/shipping. It is, however, tear resistant, lightweight, can be sewn, flexible and very strong. It can also be cut to size. Plus its waterproof (which is why I think it will be great for a kitchen archive).

Endless signage possibilities

For preservation purposes - the sky's the limit. (NB This is a case in point why you shouldn't give a librarian access to Photoshop).

Wordless Wednesday

Making your own book 'cradle'

I’m not going to lie – I am having a lot of fun with this blog. Everywhere I look, I see inert items wanting to be used. Just the other day, I came across this in our server room; our IT director was all too happy to let me have them. I had plans. For book reinforcements (not just for display purposes, but for everyday reading room use – especially for important historic materials that need spine support). 

Book cradles can be expensive – and they can break easily (if made of plexiglass) – and they are difficult to store (bulky). I propose making a book cradle – but not out of something like cardboard (I worry that could have the same problems as plexiglass – minus expense, of course) but with inexpensive (if you’re lucky, free), inert materials. Yes – I’m talking about Tyvek. And I’m talking about polyfoam. 

The above type of foam can be found packed with computers (shipping material to keep interior components safe). I am advocating (and here demonstrating) to cut them up (tip: food processors don’t work) - cut them into manageable size chunks - and then cut them again (as small as you can).  

Fill them into a tyvek envelope and off you go.

 

And, if you’re feeling fancy, make a cover from some (acceptable) material. I for one, like the tyvek look. I’ve already started using my “cradle” around the house – to keep cookbooks open and near the computer.