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If you’ve spent time in museums you’ve probably seen the terms preservation, restoration, and conservation used to describe how an artifact has been treated. All of these are processes to help ensure that a historical object continues to exist and which one is chosen depends on the condition of the object and its future use.

In archives, preservation is the most common process and generally the least intensive. Our main goal is to minimize future damage or deterioration. Sometimes it’s as simple as putting the object in a box and in a safe place, but it can get much more involved. Archival materials are generally transferred into boxes and folders that are specially designed to mitigate issues such as acidic paper, light sensitive inks and dyes, and metal oxidation and to provide proper support. Our safe space is also carefully designed to maintain consistent temperatures and humidity. 

Restoration is a process that attempts to make the item look like new. Damaged areas are fixed, treatments are used to remove discoloration or stains, and new materials are added to replace missing bits. While this is most commonly done with art and furniture, it can also be done to books and documents. The video below shows the process of restoring a painting.

Conservation can be seen as a mix of preservation and restoration. Like with preservation, the goal is maintain the item in its current condition and like restoration, the goal is to repair damage. Items that go through a conservation process are usually unusable in their current condition, but need to be used. Conservation treatments are less extensive then restoration and seek to conserve as much of the original material as possible. All processes are well documented and anything that is removed is usually retained.

Want to learn more? Email Heidi to see examples of preservation and conservation in the archives and Special Collections. She's also happy to talk about on-campus preservation internship opportunities.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental well-being. It is an opportunity to foster open conversations, raise awareness, and promote education around mental health. 

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and behave, as well as how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, it can fluctuate over time based on life circumstances. Good mental health means being able to cope with daily challenges, maintain relationships, and function effectively in different aspects of life. 

For college students, particularly at the end of the school year, maintaining mental health can be challenging, but there are steps you can take. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay active, and eat healthy foods. Practice mindfulness techniques to maintain balance and focus. Keep in touch with friends and family for emotional support and to take breaks from academic work. Divide tasks into smaller steps and set achievable goals. Finally, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prioritizing mental wellness takes effort, but it is an essential aspect of living a balanced life. To learn more about mental health, please visit the book display on the third floor of the Library.

May is National Photography Month, a time to recognize the significant impact photography has had on our world since its invention. Evolving from a concept discussed by ancient philosophers into an essential tool for documentation and artistic expression, photography impacts how we preserve history, share experiences, and express ourselves.

Although photography as we know it began much later, the camera obscura phenomenon, which involves the projection of an image through a small hole, was first discussed in ancient philosophical texts during the 4th century BCE and may have been used even earlier to inspire paleolithic cave paintings. It was not until 1826, however, that Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the first permanent image using a bitumen-coated pewter plate. His partnership with Louis Daguerre led to the daguerreotype in 1839, which made it possible to produce much sharper images with shorter exposure times. This marked the beginning of photography as a practical tool for capturing real-world pictures.

As new techniques emerged, photography became more efficient and accessible. William Henry Fox Talbot introduced the calotype, which used paper negatives and allowed for multiple copies of a photo. Later, the wet collodion process and gelatin dry plates improved image quality and simplified the workflow. The invention of roll film and the rise of Kodak cameras in the late 19^th century helped bring photography to the general public. What was once a complicated, scientific process became a common hobby and creative outlet. In recent years, digital cameras and smartphones have made it possible for almost anyone to take high-quality pictures anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about the history of photography as well as see the artistic work of some of the world’s great photographers, please visit the book display on the main floor of the library. 

Each May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the diverse cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities to the United States. Representing over 50 countries and hundreds of languages, the AAPI identity is deeply complex, spanning a wide array of experiences, traditions, and stories, but at the same time, sharing common threads of resilience and leadership.

AAPI communities have consistently demonstrated this resilience and leadership throughout American history by transforming hardship into platforms for progress and advocacy. For instance, Chinese laborers played an essential role in constructing the transcontinental railroad despite facing severe discrimination and harsh working conditions, establishing a foundation for future equality movements. Similarly, Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Infantry Regiment served courageously, even as their families back home were imprisoned in internment camps, challenging prejudices that eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act.

Later, in the face of exclusionary immigration laws and persistent anti-Asian sentiment, AAPI leaders emerged to fight for civil rights and representation. Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American farmer, mathematician, and judicial officer overcame legal barriers to become the first Asian American congressman, demonstrating how perseverance and advocacy can lead to institutional change. Patsy Mink, a third-generation Japanese American and the first woman of color in Congress, fought for representation, co-authoring Title IX to create opportunities for women in education and athletics. Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese American philosopher and activist, spent decades organizing alongside Black and working-class communities in Detroit, redefining solidarity through grassroots organizing. 

Today, this legacy of resilience and leadership continues through contemporary AAPI figures who are shaping every aspect of American life, from science and literature to politics and public service. The groundbreaking scientific work of Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, the literary voice of Ocean Vuong, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic role all exemplify the continued impact of AAPI individuals in American life. In addition, across the country, AAPI organizers and advocates are taking on issues such as anti-Asian hate, immigration reform, and racial justice, building inclusive partnerships and stronger communities in the process.

During this AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to explore the stories, voices, and contributions that shape the AAPI experience. To get started please visit the book display on the fourth floor.