2. ENVIRONMENTAL ChEMISTRy & TEChNOLOGy 2.1. Lectures

Chem. Listy, 102, s265–s1311 (2008) Environmental Chemistry & Technology
Paper is very fragile when it is wet. In some cases it may
be desirable to remove caked-on mud and dirt as dirt left by
receding water may be contaminated. Wet documents or photographs
which cannot be air dried within two days should be
frozen to inhibit mold growth. Circulating air will effectively
dry most items. Physical distortions may result but information
will be saved. Blotting materials for air drying should be
clean and absorbent. Screening material such as window screens,
well supported and stacked with spaces between them
provide an excellent compact drying surface. The porous surface
assists air circulation and promotes drying.
Without intervention glossy materials such as paperback
book covers, art books, etc. are likely to stick together. Loose
glossy materials should be spread out in one layer for air
drying. Bound glossy materials must be interleaved between
every page to prevent sticking.
As to books, interleaving material should be placed
between the text block and the front back covers. If time and
supplies allow interleaving material should be placed intermittently
throughout the text as well. Evaporation of water as
it wicks into the interleaving paper will enhance drying.
Several classes of photographs are highly susceptible to
water damage and the recovery rate will be very low. Old
photographs and negatives can never be frozen. Most prints,
negatives and slides may successfully be individually air
dried face up. Contemporary photographic prints and negatives
which are still wet and have stuck together may separate
after soaking in cold water, however, this type of treatment
could cause irreversible damage. Highly valued items,
particularly prints, for which there is no longer a negative,
should be referred to a conservator immediately.
s424
Conclusions
The most critical element affecting the longevity of
library materials is the environment in which they are used
and stored. The sitting of the building, its orientation to the
sun, building’s location in areas safe from flooding and other
natural disasters, planted areas and trees near perimeter walls,
the design of roofs, basements, and location of windows considering
stack areas. But it is not only buildings and their
design that cause problems: libraries house millions of books
published on acidic paper, high temperatures and humidity
cause chemical reactions between the cellulose in paper, the
acids residing in the fibers, and pollutants in the atmosphere,
all of which accelerate deterioration.
Adjusting the environment near the building can help
considerably in reducing problems inside.
REFEREnCES
1. Ritzenthaler M. L.: Archives and Manuscripts: Conservation:
A Manual on Physical Care and Management.
SAA Basic Manual Series. Chicago: Society of American
Archivists, 1993.
2. Padfield T.: Climate Control in Libraries and Archives.
In Preservation of Library Materials: Conference held
the National Library of Austria, Vienna, 1986. IFLA
Publications, 41. Munchen:K.G.Saur, 1987.
3. nyberg S.: The Invasion of the Giant Spore. SOLInET
Preservation Program Leaflet no 5: Southeastern
Library network, Inc., november 1, 1987.