Materials in Libraries, Archives, and Museums

This course covers underlying factors in the physical nature of materials; concepts of permanence, durability, and deterioration; challenges of both traditional and modern collections; emphasis on print and photographic collections. Three lecture hours a week for one semester.The objectives of this course include:

1. To impart understanding of the materials frequently encountered in library, archives and museum collections through emphasis on common, underlying factors of stability and deterioration.
2. To allow the student to gain an understanding of the conservation and preservation literature.
3. To emphasize the importance of understanding classes of materials, similarities and differences.
4. To learn to identify and investigate components of objects and assess stability.
5. Secondary emphasis will be placed on methods of fabrication, especially as they relate to durability or physical toughness of materials.
6. Historical development of materials will be discussed especially where it is relevant to understanding the range of materials likely to be encountered and where it bears on lasting qualities.