While preparing serials to either be shelved or prepared for binding, I often discover or receive damaged issues from other Library employees. These damaged issues are either repaired by our Conservation Lab staff or, if damage is deemed beyond repair, a request for a replacement issue is placed with our Serials Acquisitions unit.
There are three common types of journal repairs which can be performed in our Library Conservation Lab: fill, mend and sew.
A fill done when there is a hole or chunk missing from the issue and an alternate piece of paper is used to fill it in.
A mend repair occurs when there is a rip or tear in the issue, but it is small and generally fixed with repair tape.
A sew repair happens when the cover or other pages are coming apart from the journal – a needle and thread is used or sometimes glue instead to alleviate this problem, so the issue can remain intact and be ready for use.
Library and Archives Preservation 