Formed in 2012, the Preservation Lab is a book and paper conservation lab that began as a collaboration between the University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library to provide preservation services to the two partner institutions.
Beginning in 2025, the Preservation Lab expanded its mission to provide expertise and services to the larger cultural heritage community, moving to a regional lab model. Under this new model, the Preservation Lab is entirely managed, staffed, and equipped by the University of Cincinnati.
The Preservation Lab provides the full suite of preservation services to the University of Cincinnati Libraries and, for a fee, to other cultural heritage institutions. The Preservation Lab’s expertise is in book and paper conservation, with services available in general circulating materials repair, single-item conservation treatment, housing, exhibition prep, and preservation consulting.