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This section presents news briefs related to library science and libraries in the U.S. as of April 1990. The vision of a virtual library, where a vast array of resources will be accessible to students and scholars via computer, is the central image behind the newly founded National Research and Education Network (NREN). NREN is the creation of the Coalition for Networked Information, founded by the Association of Research Libraries, CAUSE--the organization for the management of information technology in higher education--and EDUCOM--a consortium of colleges and universities to facilitate information technology use in higher education. A new paper preservation process is being tested by the Lithium Division of FMC Corp. in Bessemer, North Carolina. The process, which is described as deacidifying, buffering, and strengthening acidic paper, will be tested in a pilot unit built in the North Carolina location this year. The FMC Corp. has been researching mass deacidification technologies since 1987. Gordon & Breach Science Publishers has succeeded in obtaining a temporary injunction against the American Mathematical Society (AMS), barring AMS from distributing in West Germany its November 1989 comparative price survey of science journals.

El artículo enfoca en la restauración de la encuadernación de libros y revistas. El autor define la terminología del oficio y describe los materiales y las herramientas que se utilizan. También demuestra paso por paso el procedimiento para restaurar un libro.

The article reports on the significance of a soot removal technique using dry ice blasting. The preservation technique was developed after a fire caught the Sevier County Recorders Office in Richfield, Utah which left a powdery soot on the hundreds of full-leather spring-back stationer's bindings. Several traditional preparations and techniques have been developed to remove the soot's grey residue which include wiping of a chemical compound with a natural sponge, vacuuming with a high efficiency particle filter combined with manual wiping, and thermal oxidation deodorizing. However, dry ice blasting was given consideration in the problem facing the county because the system is portable, can be run by a generator, and cleans much faster then traditional cleaning methods.

The article discusses the use of deacidification as a preservation technique for books and documents in Belgium. The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences started a deacidification project in the period 2003-2004 to treat books by using "Book Saver" technology, which was developed by Conservacíon de Sustratos Celulosícos SL. The procedure was formulated and introduced under the leadership of doctor R. Areal, a professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Belgium. The process found to be effective in increasing the value of pH which meant that it obtained an alkaline reserve of 1.5 percent.

The article focuses on the issue of use of permanent paper in France. France is regularly cited as a model in alkaline production. The production of acid-free paper would have developed since 1976, with the appearance of Aquapel, a permanent paper made up by the company Arjomary. The statement of accounts is mitigated as the French case feeds more on hypotheses than on certainties, for lack of information (as data are left to the hands of their owner or simply do not exist). This is why, before making alarmist predictions on the future of contemporary publications, it is first necessary to draw the attention on the lack of data and calculated evaluations. What is at stake is clear: before dashing disorderly into actions of promotion, it is necessary to acquire certainties. Because permanent paper is not the one and only solution: there is need to consider the questions of use, storage, environment and handling. Tackling the carrier does not solve the question of the preservation of the document.

Discusses the problems faced by school librarians regarding the preservation of books. Difficulties associated with the role of unqualified librarians in preservation; Emphasis on reading and changes in the variety of book sizes creating a greater need for preservation; Importance of lengthening the shelf life of paperbacks; Use of bookends in preservation strategy; Consideration of the use of paperback versus hardcover.

The article focuses on popular preservation techniques used to protect books. In the 1850s, publishers began coating paper made from wood pulp with aluminum sulphate, a sizing agent that kept the ink from running. But aluminum sulphate reacts with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, which then eats away the paper's molecular bonds. Most preservation techniques treat one book at a time in a costly water- based process that requires removal of the book's binding. Now several companies have come up with more affordable techniques that treat hundreds of books at a time. The most promising process is a liquid-chemical bath devised by FMC Corp. A specialized book preservation firm Wei To Associates Inc. uses a base solution of magnesium carbonates to neutralize the acid.

The article presents the causes of contaminants in books and documents and how to control them. Damages in books are either caused by internal factors of deterioration or through the presence of insects and moulds. Contaminants damage the materials in the book such as the paper, leather and parchment which can weaken the support in the books. Among the suggestions offered to avoid such occurrence include controlling the climatic conditions of the bookstacks and dusting regularly the collections. Meanwhile, the factors which triggers the contaminations are the unfavorable environmental or climatic condition, the improper management of the resources, the absence of maintenance, the presence of harmful insects and the human errors in handling the resources.

The article cites a study on identifying a quality vegetable calf leather for the conservation treatments of old and useful books conducted by the National Library of France. The study showed that most of the vegetable tannins used to process the leathers belong to the condensed tannins family, which are also considered disadvantageous to the preservation of leathers when they become in contact with certain air pollutants. The study indicated that none of the 40 tested leathers passed the requirements needed for the conservation of the books. The study suggested that a continuing research should focus on evaluating the effects of each requirement for leather quality and partnering with tanneries to combine technical and theoretical data.

Presents information related to the preservation of paper artifacts.

Offers tips on how to preserve and store hardbound books.

The article presents the conclusions of the research program conducted by the National Library of France from 1994 to 2000 about the comparison of the four processes of mass deacidification and reinforcement of acid papers. The research consisted of two phases that ascertained the efficiency of Separex, Batelle, Bookkeeper, and Sablé processes. The study showed that Batelle is more powerful against the effects of artificial aging, Bookkeeper does not damage the inks and illustrations and has minimal side effects while Separex proved to be inferior in quality. The study concluded that Bookkeeper is most valuable among the four processes that were tested for mass deacidification.

Recommends the use of Booklover's Repair Kit to restore and repair books.

Lists precautions from disaster-recovery specialists at Winthrop Group, Cambridge, Mass., on treating water-soaked paper valuables. Turn on air conditioning in summer, turn off heat in winter; Create air flow by using open doors, windows, fans and dehumidifiers; Don't open or close wet books or separate single sheets of paper; Move valuable materials to a freezer facility as soon as possible; Other specialists; Contact points for more information.

Details the issues discussed during the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Paper Preservation Symposium held on October 17-21, 1988. Usability of research library collections; Engineering answers to book preservation; Preservation technology choices available.