Printed Books Selection and Binding Preparation Section at the British Museum / British Library. History and procedures

Historically, the Trustees of the Library always ensured that there were funds to repair and rebind the books in their care. The sums given varied and increased as new preservation and conservation techniques were devised. The latter included deacidifcation and lamination. Treatments were applied by the bindery located at the British Museum in Great Russell Street and by external firms. Towards the end of the twentieth century, procedures were laid down to ensure the books were suitably repaired or rebound according to a variety of contracts and staff were put in place to organise and supervise. From 1982 to 1997, Ed King was Head of Preparation and Selection programmes for Binding and Conservation (of Printed Books), and he has prepared a report of how preservation and binding were administered.