History of the Preservation Lab

The preservation lab has gone through several iterations in the past (almost) decade. Let’s see how it’s changed and grown over the years.

The Preservation Unit was formally established in 2016. At that time, the lab was located in Room 216 on Level 2 in Mullins Library. This space was where the binding staff had worked for many years. They prepared books and serials for commercial binding and performed basic conservation treatments for the Libraries’ main collection. The same binding and repair work continued in the space, but with additional staff added after 2018, we were able to start taking on more conservation work, like book repair and creating custom enclosures for items. The one large work table was moved and two small drafting tables were introduced in 2019 (much credit to our former preservation specialist who helped turn the lab into more of a lab). The drafting tables allowed for flexibility in working with items and easy access to tools. The space was large enough to allow for flexibility with the layout of furniture, shelving, book trucks, etc.

Desk with books and tools for paper repair. There are two book trucks with books for repair and board for creating custom boxes is propped up behind the desk. — The original work area with a large desk, but no flat storage for large pieces of board and paper.

Two small drafting tables, paper cutter, bookshelf, and wire rack in the lab area. There is a bulletin board, a white board, and a hanging rack for rolled paper on the wall. — The drafting tables replaced the large desk in late 2019. Other items like the wall-mounted paper storage and the wire shelving rack for large sheets of paper and board were also added.

Wall mounted rack for rolls of paper and other repair supplies. A small nipping press sits on a table. Other rolls of paper are propped up against the wall. — Handy wall-mounted paper storage

A wire rack with six shelves holding various paper supplies. The shelves are each 36" wide by 48" long and the whole rack is about six feet tall. — Handy wall-mounted paper storage

The lab was quiet during early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Part-time work started back in the early fall, in the same room and office.

The renovation of Levels 1 and 2 of Mullins Library began in 2022, and all the lab supplies (along with two staff members, Sally and Amber) were relocated to LINX, the Library Annex, in the Art and Design District in south Fayetteville. LINX has a room designated for preservation, so it was the ideal place to move conservation operations to during the renovation.

Work tables with items being treated. — We adjusted to different work tables and used the heavy duty storage shelves for equipment and supplies. The wire shelving rack came along too!

Work table with items in process of treatment. There is a desk, window, and bookshelf at the back of the image. — Sally’s desk was against the wall, and there were north facing windows! The natural light was fantastic.

Upper and lower cabinets with work supplies on the counter and an in-counter sink. — The upper and lower cabinets held more supplies. Just about every flat surface was used for storage of some kind.

We moved back to Mullins Library in May 2025. We’re now located on Level 1, along with Digital Services, Special Collections, Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, and Fowler’s Nook, the new cafe.

Two work tables are in the foreground with a counter and open upper shelving behind them. — It’s the new lab! It’s a long and narrow space, so we get a long counter and lots of shelving and cabinets. The ceiling mounted retractable power outlets make plugging in equipment at the bench much easier.

A wire rack with six shelves for paper and board used in conservation adjacent to a wall of upper and lower cabinets with an in-counter sink. — Was there any doubt the trusty wire shelving rack wouldn’t also come along to the new space?!

Book shelves with books that need repair. There is a work table in the foreground with a cutting mat and tools. — Shelving for everything needing repairs, from the perspective of Sally’s bench.

We’re settled in here in Mullins Library once again. Besides the lab space, there are offices for me and Sally. If you’re interested in seeing the lab, let us know! We’re happy to set up a tour and talk about conservation.

And, since it’s the end of 2025, all of us in Preservation wish you happy holidays! See you next year!