The Penn State University Libraries recently appointed William Minter as its first senior book conservator, a move that will greatly enhance the Libraries’ existing preservation program for rare and historical collections. Minter, who has more than 35 years of experience in fine bookbinding and conservation, began his appointment this semester in the University Libraries’ Digitization and Preservation Department. The position is funded by a challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and a matching donation from Jeffery L. and Cynthia King that established the King Family Conservation Endowment in the University Libraries.
“Bill Minter is a true leader in the field of conservation,” said Barbara Dewey, Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications. “He brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skill. Penn State is fortunate to have him join us.” Minter will provide leadership to expand the current conservation program to include enhanced conservation treatments, plan and implement conservation policies and provide training and outreach services to the Libraries, the Penn State community, and beyond. “My goal is to build a meaningful conservation program, which not only preserves the collections for future generations, but also reaches out to other Pennsylvania institutions and helps them care for their collections,” he says.