Conservators from Oxford University's Bodleian Libraries visit the NDL for training and exchange of expertise

The National Diet Library(NDL) and the Conservation and Collection Care Department of the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford University, UK, have developed a close working relationship since the 1990s through mutual visits by conservators and the provision of technical cooperation. Most recently, at the request of the Bodleian Libraries, the NDL hosted Ms. Alex Walker, Preventive Conservator, and Ms. Alice Evans, Assistant Book Conservator, during a training and exchange of expertise program from February 18 to March 1, 2019.

During a busy yet fruitful two weeks at the NDL, Ms. Walker learned primarily about preventive conservation measures, disaster preparedness, and preservation cooperation activities at the NDL, while Ms. Evans learned about conservation and the making of Japanese binding materials.

It was also a good opportunity for us to learn from the experiences of their Department at the Bodleian Libraries and exchange information with each other. On February 25, Ms. Walker lectured the NDL employees and conservators from other institutions on mold awareness. Ms. Evans also shared her expertise in conservation methods used by her department with NDL Preservation Division employees.

During their stay, they also visited the Library of the Imperial Household Agency, the National Archives of Japan, the Center for Historical Social Science Literature of Hitotsubashi University, and the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, learning about preservation and conservation work at each institution.