Conservation workshop

When making available the heritage collections for study and research extra measures are taken to minimize risks and optimize conditions for use.

Most conservation and restoration treatments are carried out in the library's own conservation studio. Apart from the preservation and conservation treatments at the conservation workshop items for exhibitions and loans are being prepared and the conservator advises on such subjects as transport and handling, and digitisation of the materials.

The Special Collections holds a broad range of objects that are often old, fragile, or light-sensitive. Sometimes they have been kept in poor conditions in the past or have been battered by frequent use.

Loose book blocks, open spines, stains from water damage and old insect bites: the restoration studio knows how to deal with these issues. The restoration studio ensures that the often centuries-old materials are in good condition. This keeps the objects available for lectures, researchers, students and exhibitions around the world.