Conservation standards are employed and materials that are permanent and of an appropriate durability are used in all work. The book conservation staff has extensive experience in both bookbinding and conservation techniques. Written and photographic records of treatment are prepared for each object. This documentation records the appearance and condition of a book prior to treatment, describes the treatment performed, and specifies materials used in treatment. Written records are supplemented by photographs taken before, after, and sometimes during treatment.
Treatment can range from minimal to extensive.
Minimal treatment, or basic stabilization, is the minimal level of treatment required to slow deterioration of a book. It excludes all cosmetic treatments and many structural repairs. Basic stabilization is frequentlly chosen for books of limited value or for those that receive little use. It is also appropriate for books that are valuable as historic objects or artifacts. Since treatment always results in at least slight alteration of the original object, boxing is sometimes preferable to treatment of artifacts.