Preservation and Conservation

As head of the Libraries’ services to preserve access to physical collections in support of teaching and research, Liz leads unit staff and collaborates with colleagues across the Libraries and campus to assess vulnerabilities, weigh priorities, and implement strategic preservation solutions. Liz holds an MLIS with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Archives Conservation from the University of Texas, an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University, and a BA in English Literature with a Peace Studies minor from the University of Connecticut.

Neil coordinates preventive conservation measures that ensure access to the Libraries rare and unique collections. His work includes performing preventive treatment interventions, building custom protective enclosures, mounting collections for exhibition, and coordinating environmental monitoring of collection storage areas. Neil holds an MLS with a Specialization in Rare Books and Special Collections, and a BA in English, from Indiana University.

Kathy processes monographs and serials for commercial binding and assists with spine labeling. She also works in the conservation lab, where she builds custom protective enclosures for rare and unique collections and performs preventive treatment interventions.

Debbie coordinates digital preservation reformatting of brittle books, commercial library binding, spine labeling, and mass deacidification services. Debbie works directly with specialized preservation vendors, and coordinates broadly with staff throughout the Libraries in order to accomplish her work. Debbie holds a BS in Education from Indiana University.

As Special Collections Conservator, Jen plans and executes conservation treatments to stabilize and preserve at-risk rare and unique collections in support of active teaching, research, digitization, and exhibition programs. Her work principally involves the design and execution of specialized treatments to stabilize individual items and collections of items. Jen holds an MA, CAS in Art Conservation from Buffalo State College, an MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago, and a BFA in Illustration from the University at Buffalo.

As conservation technician for general collections, Tosha McComb coordinates the day to day work of in-house repair and reinforcement of circulating and reference collections. Her work includes stabilizing books and other formats so they may continue to be used, training and supervising student assistants, and maintaining supplies and equipment that support this work. Tosha also purchases all preservation supplies for RBSC and University Archives. Ever creative, Tosha is appreciated for the beautiful books she’s created in which we’ve shared memories and well-wishes to retiring Library colleagues.