It’s a simple yet effective maxim – and one that Anne Lama, Library Conservator, promotes as she cares for UBC Library’s extensive physical collections. “Book damage over time is inevitable, but we can all play a part in preservation with some attention, knowledge and care,” she says.
As UBC Library expands its varied and unique collections, preservation-conservation activities become ever more significant to ensure collections are accessible for years to come. Managing the degradation of materials such as paper, leather, newsprint and other items, is where Lama comes in.
A conservator provides a range of services including treatment and care of collections, examination and documentation, and managing damaged materials through restoration processes. One of Lama’s top priorities is to set up the Library’s conservation lab to oversee the treatment of individual items and collection-level projects. She works closely with staff in Rare Books and Special Collections, and University Archives, to ensure the highest levels of collections care are met.
Before joining the Library, Lama worked for 10 years as Conservator at the National Archives in Paris, France, and has experience in graphic art restoration. She notes that her work at the Library is a return to her first love – working directly with books – and feels that her new role focuses on the future of her profession.
Chère Anne, Mamie Lucienne aurait été enchantée de te voir là-bas. Nous nous connaissons très peu , mais cela ne nous empêche pas de partager ta joie et de t’adresser toutes nos féilicitations. (C’est ta mère qui nous a fourni le lien)
Danielle et Jean-Claude De Cat