Preservation of Historical Libraries of Arequipa, Peru

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Preservation of Historical Libraries of Arequipa,
Peru

• July 6 19, 2008

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• A six member team from Alabama, Iowa and Texas
  spent two weeks in July, 2008 working with local
  authorities to assist preservation of libraries.
  The team has demonstrated methods for cleaning,
  exhibition and non-damaging relocation of
  collections. The team has also set-up a workshop
  and has trained local students.

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evaluation and cleaning
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• Almost 20 of antiquarian imprints from Recoleta
  are unreported editions or titles.
• Included are rare works of musicology, first
  imprints of the earliest American universities
  and unreported Peruvian imprints.
• As a project follow-up we will produce 33 book
  boxes for rare volumes at the Recoleta.

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• The current library building at San Francisco has
  been condemned due to earthquake damage. Plans
  are completed for the extraction, cleaning and
  relocation of boxed books to a secure
  intermediate storage during the renovation and
  shelving reinstallation in the new library space.

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17th century book stacks at San Francisco
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• Renovation and reinstallation of exhibits at the
  Recoleta will be completed and a library
  conservation studio established at the Recoleta
  as a base for both visiting and local
  practitioners. Further work is needed to
  reinforce the shelving fixtures against
  earthquake damage.

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• Resources of INLIBRI, a non-governmental
  organization for the study and preservation of
  the book in Arequipa, and the U.S. Universities
  are complementary. INLIBRI provides local
  project authorization, local management
  continuity, expert linguistic and collection
  knowledge. The Universities can provide
  preservation expertise, opportunities for book
  studies and technology support.

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• Interest in the historical libraries of Arequipa
  may be due to a rare convergence occurring at
  this moment. The convergence of interest includes
  key personnel, key organizations and key
  motivations. Many opportunities for advance of
  tourism, historical preservation and devotional
  enthusiasm are mixed with the future of the old
  libraries.

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• The two week session concluded on 18 July with a
  presentation at the Universidad Catolica San
  Pablo. A large audience of students and scholars
  attended to hear presentations on rare book
  cataloging by Helen Ryan, book conservation by
  Chela Metzger, and preservation of libraries in
  Arequipa by Gary Frost. As a follow-up we will
  provide a San Pablo workshop on the history of
  books.

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acknowledgments

• Padre Hervascio, Cleric of the Recoleta
• Helen Ryan, Librarian, Cataloger
• Alvaro Meneses, Bibliographer, Sponsor
• Cerro Verde, Project Sponsor
• Michell Group, Project Sponsor
• University of Alabama, Project Participant
• University of Texas, Project Participant
• University of Iowa, Project Participant