KUOW reporter Marcie Sillman filed a piece this morning about a new book conservation program at the University of Washington:

More than 10,000 items flow through the center every year; everything from fragile maps that need protective casings to books with torn bindings. Most of the binding work is outsourced to commercial binderies, but in-house conservators tend to the rare books, pamphlets and other delicate materials.

If you've ever wondered about the preservation of books, this is very much worth your time. Full disclosure: Sillman quotes me in the piece, but despite my involvement it's very much worth your while.