UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries’ new, high-quality microscope acquired through the support of alumni donors Phil and Susan Gresh is supporting its Conservation Centre in examining paper fibers and other biological specimens. The microscope’s purchase also is giving student interns experience in materials conservation and diagnostic and repair work and enabling collaborative use by other Penn State researchers across the University Park campus.
“We are grateful to Phil and Susan Gresh for their generous support of our conservation program. Any time a student is given the opportunity to use a specific piece of equipment, the student gains new knowledge and understanding. This experience is a boon to their education as an active pursuit of discovery,” Bill Minter, Conservation Centre senior book conservator, said. “A student might use a microscope for a classroom assignment but may not have a chance to see an actual real-world application. At the Conservation Centre, they can examine and determine the fiber content of the paper or board that is being used for conservation treatments.”
As a teaching aid, the Olympus CX43 RF microscope is of great benefit. For the first time, interns and Conservation Centre staff are able to examine and assess fibers, mold specimens and leathers in an actual real-world conservation application. This microscope is a fine-quality imaging device that is highly customizable with different lighting units, polarization filters, and magnification objectives to fit the University Libraries’ preservation and conservation research needs. It is being used to:
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examine paper fibers and biological specimens to determine their composition;
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examine suspected mold within books and confirm the concern;
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allow student interns to research various conservation materials;
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confirm the purchase of the proper polyester film for rare and fragile library documents’ encapsulation, a process that sandwiches a document between two sheets of that film for safer handling;
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enlighten staff on the composition of linen, cotton, silk and other textile fibers used in the makeup of a book; and
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examine leather fibers during a micro-hot-table test, which determines the leather’s properties and, ultimately, its longevity.
Equally important, the microscope’s camera offers a significant benefit with a large field of view, so what the user sees in the eyepiece is identical to what users see on a screen display. This camera is unique in the world of microscopy, as camera sensors have always been smaller than the microscope's field of view. Having this camera feature allows conservation and preservation specialists to show what they are examining to a larger audience of students.
This microscope’s acquisition has provided University researchers with the capability to conduct scientific research examinations of paper fibers and biological specimens through transmitted light, including the means to examine objects such as ceramic, metal, leather and other opaque objects with reflected light.
Faculty and staff from the Conservation Centre worked with Sarah Rich, associate professor of art history, to determine the appropriate microscope for multiple units’ needs. Museum studies classes will use the microscope for learning opportunities in addition to researchers and Conservation Centre conservation specialists.
The Greshes have given to various areas of the University Libraries. Phil Gresh graduated in 1970 from the College of the Liberal Arts with a degree in general arts and sciences, and Susan Gresh graduated in 1971 from the College of Health and Human Development with a degree in consumer related studies. They consider the University Libraries a shared passion, they said. They made a one-time gift to support the microscope’s purchase.
“Last fall we saw a demonstration of the microscope, which was incredible,” Phil Gresh said. “We walked out, looked at each other and said, ‘They need that.’ We thought it would be a great addition to the work they do there. It was high-tech, it could move them in a different direction, help them do what they do, and help students and interns.”
“We try to find one thing that we feel will make a difference. It doesn’t have to be big, but something that will make a difference in either the students’ lives or at the Libraries in general,” Susan Gresh said.
The Greshes’ gift and those of others advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.