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Category: Collections Storage

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.

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.

Two images side by side, showing the completed models after treatment

(re)Building Rudolph: What Goes into a Monumental Loan

Posted by: Chloe Genter

Two large architectural models by Paul Rudolph were selected as part of a large loan that will be on display September 2024. The models were in extremely poor condition, broken, water- damaged, and covered in a thick layer of dust and debris. A team of five5 technicians and the objects conservator worked to get the models back into stable and displayable condition.