How can I learn more

The Internet and libraries are a good source of information. The resources section will point you in the right direction to begin with. Additionally you may wish to consider a short training course. Your local craft organisations or local education institutions may run courses in Leather but alternatively you could try the following;

BLC Leather Technology Centre www.blcleathertech.com/blc_Leather_Training_Courses.aspx
Leather Wise www.leatherwise.co.uk/training.htm

For conservation www.leatherconservation.org

Many institutions also run courses for those in the leather industry. See the institutional section of the directory.

For undergraduate courses see www.northampton.ac.uk for fashion and design and leather technology (see applied sciences).

For research papers the Journal of the Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists www.sltc.org