Safeguarding Stories: A Practical Approach to Book Preservation

In an era dominated by digital media, the importance of preserving physical books is often overlooked. However, these tangible artifacts hold immense cultural and historical value. Recognizing this need, a specialized workshop is being offered to equip librarians, cultural workers, and students with the skills necessary to protect these invaluable resources.

workshop Details: Berio library Hosts Essential Training

On May 29, 2025, the Berio Library in Genoa will host an intensive four-hour workshop focused on the conservation and preventative care of contemporary books.Participants will gain practical knowledge in assessing maintenance needs, proper shelving techniques, appropriate dusting methods, and the use of suitable materials for minor repairs. This hands-on approach ensures that attendees leave with the confidence to actively contribute to book preservation efforts.

The workshop aims to empower participants to:

• Evaluate and implement appropriate maintenance and conservation strategies.
• Handle and shelve volumes correctly to minimize damage.
• Perform effective dusting techniques.
• Utilize suitable materials and methods for basic book repair.

Who Should Attend? Target Audience and Participation Details

This workshop is designed for a diverse audience, including:

• Librarians seeking to enhance their preservation skills.
• Cultural operators involved in managing and protecting collections.
• Students and recent graduates in library science and related fields.

The workshop is capped at a maximum of 16 participants to ensure personalized instruction. A minimum of 10 participants is required for the workshop to proceed.

Cost and Registration Data

For members of AIB liguria (Italian Library Association – Liguria section) in good standing for 2025, the workshop is offered free of charge. AIB members from other regions can participate for a fee of €30. Non-members are encouraged to join AIB to take advantage of member benefits and support the library community.

Registration Deadline: May 19, 2025

To register, download the PDF form and submit it via email to Lig[at]aib.it.Early registration is recommended, as enrollment will close once the maximum number of participants is reached. The AIB Liguria section reserves the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum enrollment is not met.

Payment instructions will be provided upon confirmation of registration.Organizations covering the participation fee for their employees must submit a commitment to payment by the registration deadline, including relevant documentation such as spending commitments and official declarations. VAT-exempt organizations must formally communicate their exemption status.

Payment Details

Payment can be made via bank transfer to the following account:

Account Name: italian Library Association – Liguria section

Bank: Unicredit Banca, Sestri Levante

IBAN: IT 23 P 02008 32231 000100500023

AIB Liguria

Please include “surname name – the treatment of the modern book” in the transaction description.

Expert Instructors and facilitators

The workshop will be led by experienced professionals in the field of book conservation:

• Teachers: Emanuela Ferro, Rita Vitali, and Sara Novelli
• Facilitator: Lisa Gioven Contardi

Certification

All participants will receive a certificate of participation upon completion of the seminar, acknowledging their commitment to preserving our literary heritage.