LTA - Library Technical Assistant Materials Processing and Preservation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patron returns a popular fiction book with a single, cleanly detached page. Which of the following is the most appropriate and archivally-sound method for an LTA to reinsert the page?

Accepted Answer

Apply a thin, even layer of acid-free PVA adhesive to the binding edge of the page and carefully 'tip it in'.

Answer

Use standard transparent office tape along the inner margin to secure the page.

Answer

Staple the page into the book's gutter as close to the binding as possible.

Answer

Leave the page loose inside the book and place a note for the next patron.

Question 2

Which of the following environmental conditions is most conducive to the long-term preservation of a library's general print collection?

Accepted Answer

A cool, stable temperature and a moderate, stable relative humidity.

Answer

High temperature and high humidity to keep paper from becoming brittle.

Answer

Bright, direct sunlight to prevent mildew growth.

Answer

Frequently fluctuating temperatures and humidity to allow materials to 'breathe'.

Question 3

When processing a new hardcover book for circulation, what is the PRIMARY purpose of adding a clear polyester book jacket cover?

Accepted Answer

To protect the publisher's original dust jacket and binding from wear, dirt, and spills.

Answer

To make the book's cover art appear more vibrant and glossy.

Answer

To permanently laminate the original dust jacket to the book boards.

Answer

To increase the book's weight so it feels more substantial to the patron.

Question 4

While processing a donated book, a library technical assistant notices a distinct musty smell and visible fuzzy, discolored spots on the pages. What is the immediate, most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the book in a sealed plastic bag and inform a supervisor.

Answer

Wipe the spots off with a damp cloth and place the book in circulation.

Answer

Spray the book with a household air freshener to cover the odor.

Answer

Place the book in a sunny window to dry it out and kill the mold.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the standard practice for applying a spine label to a new library book?

Accepted Answer

Apply the label consistently at a predetermined height from the bottom of the spine across the collection.

Answer

Place the label wherever it is most aesthetically pleasing on the spine.

Answer

Cover the author's name on the spine to make room for the label.

Answer

Place the label on the front cover of the book instead of the spine.

Question 6

An LTA is tasked with physically processing a new paperback. In addition to a spine label and barcode, which of the following steps is most commonly taken to increase its durability for library circulation?

Accepted Answer

Applying a clear, self-adhesive laminate film to the front and back covers.

Answer

Trimming the edges of all pages to make them uniform.

Answer

Stamping every tenth page with the library's ownership mark.

Answer

Replacing the paper cover with a custom-made hardcover binding.

A patron returns a popular fiction book with a single, cleanly detached page.Which of the following is the most appropriate and archivally-sound method for an LTA to reinsert the page?

A patron returns a popular fiction book with a single, cleanly detached page.
Which of the following is the most appropriate and archivally-sound method for an LTA to reinsert the page?