RARE BOOKS LAB
SERVICES FOR RARE BOOKS COLLECTIONS and ARCHIVES
All the rare books services presented on this website have been developed by © Diana Bychkova.
Diana Bychkova, BFA, MFA, MLIS, PhD, a librarian, bookmaker, and book/paper conservator with a background in the history of book and printing. SEE MORE
Stepan Romanyshyn, BFA, MFA, a conservator/ restorer of antique items with over 15 years of work experience in Europe. SEE MORE
Maria Laura Mosco, MA, PhD, English Content and Community Relations Consultant. SEE MORE
Sébastien Ruffo, MA, Ph.D., OTC, French Content and Community Relations Consultant. His work experience extends to the private and public sectors. SEE MORE
Each rare collection and archive is carefully curated and described using the DCRM and RAD standards, respectively, with some additional research.
We are fluent in English, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian, and we have a reading knowledge of other Roman and Slavic languages that can help us assist you with your collections.
Many holdings of rare books collections do not provide a full level of descriptions because of lack of trained personnel who would have a background in the history of the book and visual arts along with library science — the combination necessary to provide the key characteristics of rare items, techniques of production, and historical data. We have a background in the history of bookmaking and visual arts along with library science, plus over 15 years of experience working with antique items and making books according to the historical methods used in different time periods and places.
We hold a certificate Novice to Know-How: Digital Preservation Skills, from the National Archives (UK)
We follow the standards and best library practices
We use professional equipment
We offer a database / catalogue development
We offer curation of printed / online publications, including layout design, file editing, pre-press preparation, and more.
MFA, PhD in Arts and Humanities
Fluency in 4 European languages, and reading in other 5
Knowledge of Southern European and Slavic cultures, and work experience in the book/art industry in large.
Research for Rare Collections
Information retrieval based on historical data, research about special collections, the history of book/printing, and visual art research.
Communication / collaboration with institutions and private sectors abroad.
Trip planning for research and cultural purposes through the East/West Europe.
View completed research projects » » »
See also limited editions that included research work
and
Byzantine journeys (libraries & monasteries)
Greek-Cyrillic influences in calligraphy
(in Ukrainian)
Creative thought and visual logic in bookmaking
(PhD thesis)
Our certified conservators of antique items preserve and restore books, furniture, icons, paintings, and more.
See also handwriting as part of the reconstruction work
View recent works
Custom design with an individual approach
High-level art and craft
Manual dexterity
We restore ancient bindings and create new handmade leather/fabric bindings and bookcases that illustrate texts or imitate books in any historical and modern style.
View recent works
We specialize in providing or enhancing collections visibility, and arranging physical/online exhibits.
We offer design, engraving, hand printing of personalized Ex Libris for your library, book collection, shop, or group of professionals.
