Ieva Rusteikaitė
Book and paper conservator 

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

After studying the humanities, I’ve discovered my true vocation in the conservation and restoration of books. However, while gaining more practical experience in conservation, I still maintain a broader range of interests than simply treating damage found in books. These interests embrace a philosophy and ethics of conservation; book history and material culture; history of making and repair; and continuous improvement across various organisational aspects of interdisciplinary conservation projects.

My main work is at Vilnius University Library, one of the oldest libraries in Lithuania, where I help to preserve and treat books and other paper artefacts. In 2017 I have been certified by the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania as a qualified book conservator, and since then,  I have also repaired books in private collections. In 2023, together with a team of colleagues, I’ve received the award in the national competition for the best conservation works, organised by The Union of Restorers of the Republic of Lithuania. 

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

I am also a member of the Bookbinders Guild of Vilnius, the Lithuanian Association of Restorers and the International Association of Book and Paper Conservators (IADA).

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

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