Invisible Markings and Conservation Treatment: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether the common conservation technique of washing results in distortion or elimination of microstamps on various types of paper. The study concludes that the common practice of immersing pages in water to help remove dirt and lessen stains could distort security stamps applied to certain types of paper. The significance of the study is to create awareness among special collections or rare book departments of the need to reapply a security stamp for certain types of paper after conservation treatment and to recommend further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]