The Conservator & the Conservation Lab

Brooklyn College is the only CUNY institution to have both a conservator and a conservation laboratory.
Our conservator Slava Polishchuk continues to repair both rare books and books from the general collections. Damaged volumes from the circulating collection go first to the appropriate subject specialist for a retain-or-withdraw decision, then to Slava, as appropriate.
A new sewing frame enables the repair of very fragile works.
In 2004-2005, Slava conducted several tours of the conservation lab for visiting librarians. He also gave a workshop on mylar encapsulation to the students in the archival minor.
A major project this academic year was developing a design for the conservation lab’s expansion. Since July 1, 2004, Slava has repaired 330 books from the circulating collection, built 80 phase boxes and enclosures for very fragile books and pamphlets, and restored 350 rare and fine books, including many books and pamphlets from the Hess Collection.
Thanks to an introduction made by Mike Armstrong, we were given the opportunity to apply for funds from State Assemblywoman Adele Cohen to expand the Conservation lab. Today, Slava’s space is small and not properly ventilated for chemical treatments. An expansion will provide more processing space, as well as the opportunity to introduce new, approaches to treating our collections. We have applied for a $300,000 grant and are optimistic about our prospects.