Paper Chemistry and Degradation (5 ECTS)

Objective

The student knows the chemistry of paper and understand the behavior of paper. The student identifies the typical deterioration and aging properties of paper. The student knows the internal and external causes for paper deterioration and understands the actions to prevent them. The student identifies damages of paper and is able to describe and explain them in a conservation documentation. The student is familiar with the terminology and its use.

Content

Chemistry of paper, types of paper and effects of manufacturing processes on aging of paper.
Internal and external causes of deterioration of paper, damages of paper and their identification and documentation.
Writing of condition reports.
Terminology and concepts.
Preventive conservation.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student's knowledge of paper chemistry is fragmented and he/she is not able to fully comprehend its effect on the preservation of paper. There are gaps in the student’s knowledge to identifying deterioration of paper. Implemented documentations and condition reports are incomplete and terminology is not correct. The student is insufficiently familiar with the methods of preventive conservation.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student's work progresses consistently during the course. The student outlines the basic ideas of the course and is able to apply theoretical information in practical work. The student understands the chemistry of paper and its effect on the ageing of paper. The student knows how to create a documentation and write a condition report and he/she is able to use correct expressions. The student masters the topic and understands the importance of preventive conservation and is able to evaluate its effects.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has assimilated the subjects studied in the course admirably and is able to apply them in accordance with the requirements of the profession. The student comprehends the paper chemistry and its effects on paper aging. The student masters the subject in both theory and practice. The student uses the terms and expressions of a condition report and a documentation fluently and correctly and understands the options for preventive conservation.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student's knowledge of paper chemistry is fragmented and he/she is not able to fully comprehend its effect on the preservation of paper. There are gaps in the student’s knowledge to identifying deterioration of paper. Implemented documentations and condition reports are incomplete and terminology is not correct. The student is insufficiently familiar with the methods of preventive conservation.