MARGAO: A conservation process called hand lamination with tissue papers can be implemented in order to preserve the rare old Portuguese books of Margao Municipal Library if required, stated former Curator of Central Library and the Assistant Professor, teacher in-charge, Department of Library and Information Science (DLIS), besides in-charge University Librarian at Goa University Dr Carlos Fernandes.
On Tuesday a team led by Dr Carlos along with assistant professor of Goa University Milind Mhamal and assistant librarian of Goa University Vikrant Malvankar, besides Chief Officer MMC Agnelo Fernandes, Chairperson Lyndon Pereira, vice-chairperson, chairmen of MMC’s Library Committee Dipali Sawal, assistant librarian Roshni Dessai, and other committee members of MMC Library visited the rare and old Portuguese book section at MMC library.
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Dr Carlos and his team took the stock of the books and assured full support to guide in preserving all the rare and old Portuguese books.
Speaking to the media Dr Carlos said that if required the conservation process called hand lamination with tissue papers can be used in order to preserve the books. “Hand lamination with tissue papers is the last stage of conserving the books or any other document. However, it takes around half an hour for one page. It is a totally natural process”, he stated.
He said these books in the MMC library are very valuable treasures. Upon the instruction of the vice-chancellor of Goa University, they have visited the section of old Portuguese books. They will prepare a report with regard to how to protect the books and it will be submitted to the MMC. All books are important and all need to be preserved. Screening at the initial stages and then scanning is necessary. It can be converted into e-Granthalya.
Agnelo said that MMC had received an offer from Portugal to purchase the books. “We said no. We are trying to preserve this for the future. This is a rare Portuguese books collection which will be not available at other places, and we have sought all the assistance to preserve those books for another two hundred years”, he stated.
Lyndon said that Dr Carlos and his team have instructed the MMC librarian on how to initiate the process in order to preserve these books.
“There are very few libraries in Goa having rare and old Portuguese books. Care should be taken of this treasure of old Portuguese books. We will definitely help MMC to preserve these books in good conditions”, said Mhamal.
Meanwhile, Councillor and member of MMC Library Committee Sagun Naik urged Dr Carlos to provide them with a total history of Margao municipality and Margao City. He submitted a memorandum in this regard to Dr Carlos.
