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University Communications

University of Richmond's Boatwright Library receives $5,000 NEH grant for equipment and training in book preservation

March 19, 2007

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has awarded University of Richmond's Boatwright Memorial Library a $5,000 grant to train library staff and purchase equipment for preserving books.

"The grant will help us keep pace with preservation needs," said Rachel Frick, head of bibliographic access services at Boatwright. Frick said even new books can be damaged by mold, mildew and bugs.

"You never know where a 20th century item will be in 100 years, so you want to maintain it now," said Frick.

Library staff will be trained how to spot at-risk books and repair damage. The grant also will allow the library to purchase new preservation equipment and maintain an ideal environment for books.

NEH awarded the grant as part of its "We the People" initiative to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture.