Towing a dinghy across the ocean.
Is that a house on the back of the ship?
Two illustrations of ocean-going ships sail across a lovely map dated 1584. From “Didaco Mendezio Auctore. La Florida/auctore Hieron” by Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598)
Washing paper is deeply satisfying.
In the lab today are some beautiful maps that will be loaned to Duke University’s Nasher Museum for an exhibit in the fall.
While most of the maps are in good condition, some need conservation beforehand. Rachel has been doing some dry cleaning, and Grace is washing a few to remove old repairs and stains. Once the conservation is done, we will help to mount them so they can be matted and framed at the Nasher.
I had big plans to get a lot done today, then I read my email. Overnight we had a leak on the fourth floor. Luckily (?!) a student was sitting right there when it happened, so the overnight staff was alerted quickly and sprang into action.
Water is diverted into trash cans, the shelving is draped and we have a fan going to help move the air and dry things out.
Shortly after arriving on scene, our head of Shipping & Receiving told me he discovered the problem: a roof hatch was accidentally left open and the pooled water leaked from the mechanical room on the fifth floor to the fourth level where it founds its way out into the stacks.
At least it was a gentle spring rain and not a torrential summer downpour!
Nothing was damaged, which is kind of amazing considering the ceiling tile fell down and there is about three inches of water in that large trash can. Our thanks goes out to:
- The anonymous student who happened to be studying in that very spot and who alerted staff to the problem (I wish I knew who you were!).
- Library staff, Annette, Stephanie and Stephen for their quick response.
- Charles and Pat from Shipping who helped identify the problem.
- Lester from Facilities who came this morning to fix the problem.
- Donny from Housekeeping who helped clean up the water.
- Jennifer from Conservation for help with draping more plastic this morning, and for re-ordering supplies for the disaster closet.
Hopefully I’m not forgetting anyone, if I am, thank you! Disaster response is truly a team effort and it is so heartening to see our team work together.
The reflection of the open hatch in a puddle of water. It’s kind of beautiful, no?
For Preservation Week we are sharing a “Day In The Lab” montage. Today the lab is full of activity and fun projects. Who would suspect that all of this goes on under your feet as you walk into the library? Hope you had a great Preservation Week.
Jennifer is boxing up “Mr. Money” aka “The Man” from the Human Rights Archives. This is a very large puppet with a paper mache head and a PVC-pipe body.
Meg is washing a giant book, page by page.
Tedd just finished a fabulous box for our Cigarette Rolling Machine Patent Model. All of the wheels actually spin!
And Beth is outside vacuuming mouse poop droppings from a manuscript collection. This is how we get to see the outdoors during the day. Don’t be jealous.
