Tag Archives: Ashleigh Ferguson Schieszer

Suave Mechanicals and The Preservation Lab

The monographic series, Suave Mechanicals: Essays on the History of Bookbinding, just released volume 6 this month.  Edited by Julia Miller and published by The Legacy Press (Cathleen A. Baker, publisher), the series focuses on in-depth analysis of historical binding structures, avenues for documenting these structures, and spreading awareness of their importance in bibliographic, conservation, and interdisciplinary research. 

Book cover of the series Suave Mechanicals

Included in this new volume is an essay co-authored by Ashleigh Ferguson Schieszer and myself titled “Adding Value: Increasing Access and Visibility to Historic Binding Structures.”   The essay reviews work conducted in the Preservation Lab to document, preserve, and promote the special collections of the University of Cincinnati Libraries and the Public Library or Cincinnati and Hamilton County. 

The processes and production described in our essay would not have been possible without the knowledge and expertise of the Lab’s staff, student staff, and volunteers who have traveled through our basement doors to make the Preservation Lab the special place it is today…and always has been.  As our essay went to the publisher prior to the hiring of our newest team member, we would like to provide the following amended acknowledgement list:

This essay is couched in terms of “what the lab does and why.”  Behind each of these actions is a staff member that had the idea and made it happen.  The authors are grateful to the past and current Preservation Lab staff:  Jessica Ebert, Catarina Figueirinhas, Gabrielle Fox, Sidney Gao, Kasie Janssen, Kathy Lechuga, Patrick Schmude, Veronica Sorcher, Hyacinth Tucker, Chris Voynovich, and our dedicated students and volunteers.

Please visit The Legacy Press (http://www.thelegacypress.com/) to learn more about this volume and to peruse the other amazing books they have to offer.

Holly Prochaska (UCL) — Preservation Librarian, and co-manager, The Preservation Lab

Sharing Our Work With The Public

Happy Preservation Week 2020 – Day 3!

Working in the basement of Langsam Library, we’re not often afforded many opportunities to connect directly with the general public. As Catarina mentioned yesterday, therefore, our usual “go-to” is to host an open house once a year during Preservation Week. Since we’re all hunkered down at home, we’d like to invite you check out some of the work we do, DIGITALLY.

If you’re curious about what we’re working on at home, be sure to check out this prior blog post.

This Friday, May 1st, 2020 at noon:

Please join Special Collections Conservator, Ashleigh Ferguson Schieszer on Facebook Live to talk about scrapbooks.

Facebook Live with the Public Library, May 1st, 2020

Designed as a family event, there’s a little something for all ages:

  • During the session, we’ll fold a One-Page Wonder coloring book comic strip (created by Senior Conservation Technician, Christopher Voynovich) that highlights treatment of a 3 x 4 foot oversized scrapbook!
  • We’ll also talk about typical condition issues found in historic scrapbooks, such as those owned by the Public Library
  • As well as answer any questions you might have about preserving your own at home.

If you were unable to join, you can still check out the FB Live archived event here.

You can also download and print Chris’ comic and check out this video on how to fold a One-Page Wonder:

Airing after May 2nd:

Be on the lookout for the Lab’s 30-minute segment with Cincinnati’s Waycross Government TV station, or watch below.

This video highlights the collaborative nature of the Lab’s work that spans a variety of preservation and library-related activities. Meet conservation staff and hear stories from each staff member about some of their favorite projects, including the treatment of an iron gall ink manuscript, as well as where you can check out the lab’s online treatment documentation.

Stay tuned for more Preservation Week updates tomorrow, and don’t forget to check out ALA’s Preservation Week resources: http://www.ala.org/alcts/preservationweek. Take advantage of free webinars, information on preserving oral history, and more!

Ashleigh Ferguson Schieszer [PLCH] – Lab Manager, Conservator