The "Juan y Emilia Almela" Restoration Laboratory of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), directed by Ricardo Paquini Vega, has the main purpose of preserving, conserving, and restoring the bibliographic heritage of the 140 locations of the UNAM Library System.
"We serve the 140 libraries of UNAM; we advise them on how a collection of ancient documents that requires intervention cannot be handled by inexperienced hands," highlighted Paquini Vega, emphasizing the importance of conserving all documents. "Beyond restoration, which is costly and elaborate, I would lean towards conserving before restoring, or conserving to avoid restoration," he added.
The conservation of documentary heritage is essential to safeguard knowledge. Through the Restoration Laboratory, the aim is to preserve bibliographic heritage in the digital age. During the 7th Restoration Marathon, commemorating International Restoration Day, attendees were invited to bring their most cherished books for guidance on their protection, cleaning, and reinforcement.
Ricardo Paquini stressed the importance of implementing preventive measures in libraries, such as avoiding eating or drinking near books and not having plants in the vicinity. He also shared tips on how to handle books properly, suggesting that when taking a copy, adjacent books should be pushed back and that the selected book should be held by the center.
Regarding the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in the conservation of bibliographic heritage, Paquini explained that these tools contribute to preventive conservation. "For example, the oldest book in our Central Library, The Seven Parts of Alfonso the Wise, from the 15th century, is an incunable that we could not have open access to. Thanks to digitization, we can preserve it and disseminate it to the world," he emphasized.
In summary, the work of the "Juan y Emilia Almela" Restoration Laboratory is fundamental to ensuring the preservation and conservation of UNAM's valuable bibliographic heritage, as well as to promoting its accessibility through digitization and the application of preventive measures in libraries.
