CONSERVATION: PHASE BOX
When a book that can't be repaired (such as a brittle book) needs protection but is not valuable enough to have a clamshell box made for it, a phase box is a good solution. While not having the environmental stabilizing properties or the structural strength of a clamshell box, a phase box still provides a barrier between the book and the effects of its environment and also keeps loose covers or pages from being separated from the book.
SCOPE
These procedures apply to general collections materials routed through the Conservation Unit. Special Collections materials and pre 1850 imprints are handled under separate procedures.
PROCEDURE
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Measure the height, width, and depth of the book to be boxed.
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Cut out 2 pieces of pamphlet board according to the diagram below.
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- Using a crimping machine, crease the board along the crease lines
- Fold the boards along all of the crease lines
- Check that the boards enclose the book:
- fold the long narrow piece around the book lengthwise so that the center panel is on the back of the book, the small flap, A, comes up over the bottom, then the large flap, B, comes over the top and small flap.
- fold the wider piece around the book and narrow board widthwise so that the right flap, C, comes over the book and narrow board from the right, then the left flap, D, comes over the book, narrow board, and right flap from the left.
- Remove the book and glue the narrow board to the inside of the wider board, positioned as in step 5. Dry under weights.
- Insert the item into the dry phase box. Close the phase box and place Velcro "buttons" on the right top and bottom between flaps C and D.
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