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Two images side by side, the left showing the open box with the globe sitting inside. The right showing the close box with the label on the front.

Rehousing the Library of Congress’ Rare Globes

Posted by: Chloe Genter

The Library of Congress holds one of the largest collections of globes in the world. Globes present many difficulties when considering aspects of storage and housing, they are an unusual shape, they have moveable or detachable pieces, can be very fragile, and staff and researchers may need to view the entire circumference of the globe. Preservation Specialist James Thurn explains how the Library of Congress houses these globes in an innovative way that makes the globes easier to view and access and creates secure, protective housing.

Papyrus document on table and two hands holding tools lifting a section of the document

Unfolding History: Conserving Papyrus

Posted by: Chloe Genter

Papyrus is a unique material among the vast holdings of the Library of Congress, but these early fragmentary texts give us remarkable glimpses into history. Specialized training was undertaken and given to conserve papyri at the Library, resulting in the recent conservation treatment of a collection of papyri from the African and Middle Eastern Division.

The same side of the cardboard box that had a missing section on the corner on the right side. The missing areas have been repaired and filled so that the side looks whole again.

Explainette!? A 1950’s Training Time Capsule

Posted by: Chloe Genter

A wholly unique object acts as a snapshot in time. The object - an Explainette, and its accompanying film, LPs, and booklets featured a variety of different materials and challenges. It came to the Conservation Division for treatment and housing so that it could be regularly displayed for visitors in the future.