Rene Haljasmäe: The methods and results of the conservation of the incunabula in the Baltika collection of the Academic Library of Tallinn University during the last three decades

The aim of this paper is to show the variations in and development of the documented conservation of the incunabula of the Academic Library of Tallinn University. Which experiences, methods and sources have been decisive for the conservator in the conservation process? The author analyses different conservation practices in the light of contemporary conservation philosophy.

The author compares five cases of conservation projects conducted between 1978 and 2007. The first one lacks documentation and can be assessed only through visual analysis and memories of the conservators. The latter four have conservation reports and supplementary information can be gained from conservation council materials: exhibition posters, articles etc. All five discussed incunabula are recorded in the electronic database of the Academic Library of Tallinn University (www.tlulib.ee/incunabula).

The first conservation project was conducted in 1978 and can be described as conservation with minimal intervention. However, this cannot be seen as a good example since it lacks documentation. The second case, from 1996–1997, in spite of scarce data in the conservation report, is the most valuable from the methodological point of view. A documentary was made during the conservation work recording the process in detail, as well as the preparation of a poster presentation for a conservation exhibition. The third case, from 1998, again represents minimal intervention: only the covers and the first and last sheets were conserved to prevent further damage to the book. The fourth case, from 2003–2006, is an example of an excellent conservation process, supplemented by a poster presentation in English. The final case, from 2004–2007, was interesting because of the later rebinding into re-used parchment and conservation problems related to it.

It can be argued that conservation is successful when the incunabula are preserved under required conditions. The aim of memory institutions is to preserve the past for the future right here and now. Therefore, integrity, accessibility and usability of artefacts should be respected. Firstly, the physical

environment (light, temperature and humidity) of valuable collections should guarantee the preservation of the whole collection. Secondly, through improvement of the physical condition of the object (conservation), researchers should gain better access to the object, including digitally. Thirdly, since the active use of incunabula causes damage to objects, readers should be educated to handle books with extra care.

In the Academic Library of Tallinn University, the conservators have, for years, professionally improved the environment for the collections, especially for the incunabula, as well as educating readers regarding preservation and usage. A digital database of the incunabula has been created; it should be enhanced by the inclusion of a comprehensive digital conservation report, which will lead to better analysis of conservation work.