FAQ
Preservation FAQ.
- Can you evaluate, treat, or repair an old book or document that I own?
- Can you bind my thesis, dissertation, or class project?
- The online catalog says the book or article I want is in Preservation, Bind Prep, At Bindery, or In Processing. Can you get it for me?
- Can you tell me if a newly ordered book has been received?
- I spilled water on a book I have checked out. What do I do?
- I have a book with a missing or incorrect call number. Whom should I contact?
- I'm a vendor of preservation products or services. To whom should I speak?
- What can I do to protect library materials in a disaster (water leak in library, natural disaster on campus)?
1. Can you evaluate, treat, or repair an old book or document that I own?
The Preservation Unit cannot repair materials that do not belong to UNT. Please use the referral service on the American Institute for Conservation website to find a qualified conservator, or look in the Yellow Pages under Book Repair or Book Binderies.
2. Can you bind my thesis, dissertation, or class project?
The Preservation Unit cannot bind materials that do not belong to UNT. Please look in the Yellow Pages under Book Binderies or Copy & Duplicating Services to find a local company that can provide the type of binding you need. Heckman Bindery provides thesis-binding service.
3. The online catalog says the book or article I want is in Preservation, Bind Prep, At Bindery, or In Processing. Can you get it for me?
In most cases the item can be retrieved immediately or rushed for next-day use.
Patrons - Please enquire at the Circulation Desk.
Library Staff - Please contact the Preservation Unit.
4. Can you tell me if a newly ordered book has been received?
Patrons - Please contact the Circulation Desk.
Library Staff - Please contact the Acquisitions Unit in Technical Services.
5. I spilled water on a book I have checked out. What do I do?
Try to absorb all of the moisture by blotting with paper towels. Even if it is a small spill, it is important that the book receive treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent mold growth, page blocking (pages sticking together permanently), and warping. If you can't return the book to the Circulation Desk immediately, stand the book up and fan out the pages so that it can air dry. Bring it to the Circulation Desk as soon as possible; do not put it in the book drop. Do not seal it in a plastic bag, as this can encourage mold growth. You may be charged a fine for damaging the book, but if you bring it to the Library as soon as possible, the Preservation Unit can minimize the damage.
6. I have a book with a missing or incorrect call number. Whom should I contact?
Patrons - Please alert the Circulation staff to the problem.
Library Staff - Please contact the Acquisitions Unit in Technical Services.
7. I'm a vendor of preservation products or services. To whom should I speak?
Please contact the Head of the Preservation Unit. The Preservation Unit staff respectfully requests no unannounced, drop-in visits.
8. What can I do to protect library materials in a disaster (water leak in library, natural disaster on campus)?
If you notice a water leak or similar problem in the library, contact the Circulation Desk immediately. If a natural disaster on campus damages a library building, please stay clear of the area. The Library has a Disaster Plan that staff members will implement in such a situation. Your personal safety is our highest priority, so please be sure you are out of danger before concerning yourself with library materials.