Pricing and Policies

Standard book repair services at Archivist’s Hollow focus on ethical stabilization and functional longevity. Typical repair work includes: 

• Assessing the book for structural and surface damage 

• Planning an appropriate repair strategy based on condition and use 

• Surface cleaning to remove dust, debris, old adhesive, and loose materials 

• Sewing, gluing, or a combination of both to stabilize text blocks and bindings 

• Repairing small damages such as minor tears, folded pages, loose pages, or weakened hinges 

• Rebinding the book when appropriate to restore usability 

More extensive damage or historically significant items may require conservation or restoration services, which are quoted separately. 

Conservation-level treatment and restoration for books and bound materials is available on a limited, case-by-case basis. Pricing depends on the item’s condition, required treatment, materials used, and the time necessary to complete the work properly and ethically. Conservation work is quoted after assessment and is not subject to standard hourly starting rates. 

Clients are responsible for any fees associated with paywalled databases, subscription archives, or restricted collections. Digital copies of documents obtained during research are provided at no additional cost. Physical copies may be printed upon request at $2.00 per page. 

Travel time is billed at $25 per hour of driving (round-trip). Archival materials and consumables are billed at cost. Optional materials are quoted in advance. 

Rates are periodically reviewed to reflect professional development, materials costs, and service demand. Approved projects are honored at the agreed-upon rate. Updated rates apply only to new projects scheduled after the effective date.

Archivist’s Hollow offers instructional services for individuals, small groups, libraries, schools, and community organizations interested in learning about bookbinding, basic book repair, and archival preservation practices. Courses may be lecture-based, hands-on, or a combination of both, depending on client needs. 

Topics may include, but are not limited to: 

• Introduction to bookbinding structures and history 

• Basic book repair and stabilization techniques 

• Archival handling and preservation best practices 

• Preventive care for personal and family collections 

Instructional services are billed based on instructional time, not per participant. 

The standard instructional rate is $40 per hour, with a one-hour minimum required. This rate applies to individual instruction and small group workshops. 

For group instruction, public courses, or workshops with larger attendance, pricing may be adjusted based on: 

• Number of participants 

• Length of instruction 

• Level of preparation required 

• Materials provided by Archivist’s Hollow 

Any additional per-participant fees or adjusted rates will be discussed and agreed upon in advance, prior to booking. 

Instructional services follow standard Archivist’s Hollow payment policies, including one hour of payment due upfront to secure instruction services. 

Archivist’s Hollow is committed to making preservation and restoration services accessible while maintaining the professional standards required for archival-quality work. The following discounts are offered as professional courtesies and apply under specific conditions. 

Libraries, Archives, & Cultural Institutions
A professional courtesy discount of 10–15% is available for public libraries, academic libraries, archives, museums, and recognized cultural or historical organizations. This discount applies to preservation, restoration, and consultation services. 

Local History Preservation (Case-by-Case)
Items with direct relevance to Hattiesburg, Forrest County, or Mississippi history may qualify for a case-by-case courtesy discount. Eligibility is determined during assessment and is based on the item’s historical significance and preservation needs. 

First-Time Client Courtesy
First-time restoration clients may receive a one-time courtesy, such as a small dollar reduction or a complimentary protective enclosure, applied to their first repair or restoration project. 

• Discounts apply only to restoration, preservation, and consultation services. 

• Workshops, classes, demonstrations, and educational programs are excluded from discounts, as they are already institutionally and community priced. 

• Discounts do not stack. Only one courtesy or discount may be applied per project. 

• Discounts are not guaranteed and may be adjusted based on project scope, materials required, and conservation best practices. 

• Assessment fees may be reduced or waived at the discretion of Archivist’s Hollow for qualifying projects; however, labor and materials are not deeply discounted to ensure proper preservation standards. 

All work performed by Archivist’s Hollow uses archival-quality materials and historically informed methods. Discounts are offered in a way that preserves the integrity, longevity, and ethical standards of the work.