FAQ

ECS specializes in the conservation of book and paper objects which include cloth, paper, and leather bound books, documents and letters, works of art on paper, photographic materials, vellum and parchment, and oversized paper objects such as maps, posters and broadsides.

To give an accurate cost of treatment we will need to perform an in-depth analysis of your object(s). A fair estimate can only be made by closely examining each object, fully evaluating its condition, and testing all media. We cannot give a realistic dollar amount for the treatment of your artifacts based on a cursory review.

We would normally ask that you leave your object(s) for examination. A formal written proposal consisting of a condition report, treatment options and cost estimate will be sent to you for review and approval. If a formal proposal is written and you elect not to have the work done then a $75.00 examination and administration fee may apply.

Our facilities are fully secured and insured. High value items are secured in our security room and in a fireproof vault. All clients are required to declare a value in writing for each item brought to an ECS facility. Restrictions on insurance coverage for high value objects may apply.

Please download and read this PDF and have the completed form accompany your order.

If your book items are saturated it is recommended that they be immediately frozen until you can get them to our facility to prevent mold from developing. If possible, individual items should be placed into separate polyethylene freezer bags prior to freezing. The frozen books can be transported to your local ECS facility in a cooler with dry ice. They should not be allowed to thaw.

If the books are only partially wet or not saturated and can stand upright on their own then the text block should be fanned out and allowed to air dry. Use of an electric fan at low speed will help evaporate moisture. Otherwise, placing blotter paper or unprinted white paper towels in strategic locations in the wet volume to absorb moisture will assist in the drying process. Frequent changes of blotters or paper towels may be necessary. Caution should be taken not to stress the binding if blotter paper or paper towels are used to help dry the text block. Wet blotters or paper towels should not be left in the volume. Placing a volume in a fully sealed polyethylene plastic bag in order to transport the wet books to the nearest ECS facility will temporarily protect the volume during handling and transport.

If your object is dry, place it in a clear polyethylene plastic bag and seal it to prevent the spread of mold spores and the contamination of other materials.

Our turnaround time is dependent on the scope of the project and when we receive the client approval. The average time for completion is usually between 2-3 months from the date of approval and depending on the facility where it is being treated. Completion dates can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Very large projects can take as long as 6 months. However, we do offer “rush” service for an additional 25% if you absolutely need your object treated and back to you in less than 2 months. Time delays may occur for extremely challenging treatments. You will be notified of any delays or required alterations in the treatment of your artifact.

We cannot recommend any at-home treatment of your object. Our conservators have received many years of education and training to properly handle and conserve your object(s). Further damage can be done if you decide to take matters into your own hands. ECS or its parent organization cannot be held liable for damage that occurs to your object by untrained persons or non-ECS employees who independently pursue recommendations presented on our website.

We will be happy to schedule group tours for those interested in conservation.  Please contact Brian Crean in our North Carolina location or Danielle Creech at our North Manchester facility to schedule a date and time.

Since our conservators are often times in the middle of treatments, appointments are preferred. However, you will not be turned away if you stop in to speak to someone about your object.

Our full service book, paper and photograph conservation facility is located at 6204 Corporate Park Drive in Browns Summit, NC. 27214.

Our Midwest book and collections conservation facility is located at 1010 North Sycamore Street in North Manchester, IN. 46962.

We are open for consultation from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

We are closed on all major holidays.