A Case for a New Case Paper: Co-engineering Library Conservation Materials from Locally Sourced Agricultural Waste, $ 13,673
All images on this page are by Anneka Vetter.
This project was funded by the University of Illinois Library in 2019 and The University of Illinois College of Fine & Applied Arts in 2022.
Abstract
In 2016, the University of Iowa’s Center for the Book ceased production of “flax PC4 papers”. This paper is widely accepted as the best quality paper for book conservators to use for historic limp cases and paper case bindings. Since 2016, no suitable substitute has come on the market. Upon a visit to a local paper-making studio, University Library conservators were intrigued to find papers being produced that closely resembled the Iowa Case Paper, but with a noble mission. The Fresh Press follows a mission to “explore and enact the potential of regional sustainable agricultural fiber waste as paper and paper products”. This proposal seeks to fund research towards developing a paper stock to rival the utility of the Iowa Case Paper for book conservation while maximizing the use of sustainable fibers. Our goals are to show proof of concept working collaboratively across colleges to create a new, locally sourced and produced paper to be used in cultural heritage conservation; to test material and chemical characteristics to determine the best source and production details of a new paper, and to test the resulting materials in a conservation setting to ensure practical use in the field.
Results
We have launched Prairie Paper!
Prairie Paper is a sustainable option for conservation and the fine arts, ideal for case bindings, printable, and available in multiple weights. All papers have a relatively stable pH and minimal color change after artificial aging. Our carbon footprint is significantly lower than traditional paper-making studios from using locally sourced ingredients, solar-powered studios, and high-efficiency stoves for cooking fibers. Download our Prairie Paper Product Spec Guide (PDF).
Publications
"A Case for a New Case Paper: From Farm to Table to Desk to Bench," Eric Benson, Quinn Ferris, Jennifer Hain Teper, Anneka Vetter, Book and Paper Group Annual (2019).
Presentations
“Sustainable Papermaking Collaboration for Library Conservation Efforts,” Eric Benson, Quinn Ferris, Jennifer Hain Teper, Anneka Vetter, North American Hand Papermakers Conference (2020).
“Prairie Paper: A Sustainable Material for Library Conservation,” Eric Benson, Quinn Ferris, Jennifer Hain Teper, Anneka Vetter, Illinois Library Preservation Week, (2020).
“Fresh Press Agricultural Fiber Paper Lab: The Designer as a Material Science Engineer,” Benson, Eric, UCDA Design Education Summit, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, (July 6-31, 2020).