Ieva Rusteikaitė
Book and paper conservator 

I am a conservator of books and paper artifacts based in Vilnius, Lithuania.

After various studies in the humanities field, I’ve discovered my true vocation in the conservation and restoration of books. However, while gaining more and more practical experience in conservation, I still keep a broader spectrum of interests than just a simple treatment of damage found in books. These interests embrace a philosophy and ethics of conservation; history of book; history of making and repairing performed by humans during the ages; a constant improvement in various organizational aspects of conservation projects with an interdisciplinary character.

My main work actually is in Vilnius University Library, one of the oldest libraries in Lithuania, where I help to preserve books and other documents and apply treatments. Since 2017 I am certified by the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania as a qualified book conservator and from then I also repair books in private collections. 

Before I have completed studies in Cultural History and Anthropology, master in Semiotics (Vilnius University, Lithuania) and master in Direction of the Projects in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (University of Barcelona, Spain). Currently I work on my PhD project on history of 16-17th century bookbinding techniques in Vilnius in the Vilnius Academy of Arts.

I am also a member of the Bookbinders Guild of Vilnius, the Lithuanian Association of Restorers, the International Association of Book and Paper Conservators (IADA) and the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Work (IIC).

Some creative work in bookbindery is done through my project Siberiana Books.

I can help to evaluate the condition of your collection or separate documents in order to describe their main needs. I preserve and repair all types of damage found in paper and bound material. I keep myself up to date about the latest achievements in book and paper treatments.  I base my working methods on the globally recognized E. C. C. O. Professional Guidelines and the  AIC Code of Ethics, which among other important principles includes the minimal intervention and respect of the authenticity of every detail.