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5.4 Dust
Dust is another factor, besides temperature and relative humidity, that creates a great risk in tropical areas. It has
an abrasive and deleterio us effect upon paper and it encourages the growth of mildew (P lumbe, 19 87c). It is
omnipresent in practically all countries in the hot-arid zone. It can be encountered in the form of violent dust storms
variously called haboobs, simoons, or ajaj. Ghana and northern Nigeria are greatly inconvenienced by the dust-haze
called harmattan. This dust laden dry wind blows from the Sahara Desert between November and mid-March (see
also section on Disaster Preparedness – Forest Fires). In most cases this wind carries clouds of red dust, which form
a dense haze. Harmattan mornings are cold and misty but the mist disappears with the increasing sun of the morning.
Apart from affecting people and other living organisms, the wind also affects library resources. Boo ks becom e brittle
and the glues and paste used in bindings disintegrate. In addition the strong wind carries many insects increasing
the potential for book damage. T he harmattan air also causes oxidation o f some library m aterials (Ezennia, 1989;
Plumbe, 1987b).
Other areas where buildings severely suffer from dust storms include the southern states of the USA. The
building of the Historical Society of Montana is located facing the sandy barren plains on one side. The very small
particles of sand cause much damage to the holdings in the repository. The sand particles are so fine that they find
their way through the cracks between the brick wall and the window frame. To dim inish the problem the keepers
put up curtains in the windows. When the curtains were examined under the microscope the severity of cuts in the
fabric demonstrated how harmful regular dust-laden winds can be (personal communication from the staff of the
Historical Society of Montana).
The fact that air circulation is one of the principles of personal well-being is most frustrating for conservators.
As a result windows are normally left open, fans are kept moving and dust flies freely about and covers just about
everything (Schüller, 2000). To keep out the haze of fine dust the windows must be sealed well and grooves must
be without cracks (Plumbe, 1987b). In addition shrubs and trees can reduce the strength of dust-laden winds (Gwam,
1963; Kumar, 1981).
Once the dust storms have passed cleaning up should be done as carefully and rapidly as possible (Plumbe,
1987c). Cleaning should be carried out regularly using a powerful vacuum cleaner so as not to stir up the dust during
removal(Davison, 1981). Sweeping the floor with brooms, which is the regular cleaning method in most developing
countries, is not recommend ed. It only redistributes the dust particles.
Next to dust coming from outside the building, dust is also created within the building. The main source comes
from bare concrete floors, which are crumbling. Consequently, it is absolutely essential to provide a protective
covering for the floors. Other sources o f dust are the do cuments them selves. On arrival at the archive they should
all be dusted in a separate room (Duchein, 1988; Gwam, 1963).
5.5 Shelving
As long ago as 2000 BC M esopotamian archivists stacked clay tablets on shelves off the floor and away from the
walls to protect the vulnerable clay from damp (Banks, 1999).
In most cases shelving has been provided as a result of colonial administrations and is often of wood
construction, although varieties of metal shelving have been introduced . Generally there is much work to be done
on standardisation and significant improvements could be made by strengthening and securing shelving – especially
cross-bracing and wall fixings. Raising shelves abo ve ground level must be a priority, as this will greatly improve
the life expectancy of stored materials. These best practices are vital and easy to achieve (Rhys-Lewis, 1999).
Adjustable steel shelving is highly recommended, because of its strength and resistance both to fire and insect
attack. It should have a baked enamel finish to resist abrasion and corrosion. Since archive material does not come
in standard sizes, flexibility in shelving is important. Wooden shelving is acceptable providing it is sealed with an
acrylic paint or varnish (for painting problems see Adefarati, 1980). Then again wooden shelves have the drawback
of being combustible and they are also vulnerable to the attack of termites. Yet, in most tropical countries many local
timbers are suitable for furniture and shelving, many are resistant to fungal infestation and certain timbers are
termite-proof (see also section on Integrated Pest Management). A disadvantage of wooden shelves and furniture,
particularly inadequate seasoned wood, is that it will swell or contract according to the humidity. Next the (animal)
glue may weaken and imperfectly constructed wooden items may tend to fall to pieces (Plumbe, 1961c). Cement
is, in the first instance, not an alternative as it is not flexible and very often creates dust (Pérotin, 1966). Yet, there
are exceptions. Local archives in Africa suffer heavily from one particular termite (Pseudocanthotermes) which does
not have an epigeal termitary and is spread out everywhere. Only cement stops them and in combination with metal
supports, bars or grills this provides the best security against termite infestation (Hurault, 1997).
Generally, sharp edges and rough surfaces should be avoided. The shelving chosen should allow the greatest
air-circulation; solid shelves and back panels should be avoided. Compact shelving is inadvisab le because it
interferes with the circulation of air (Duchein, 1988). Avoid shelves running against an outside wall, as they may
conduct damp and impede the free flow of air. Setting the shelves at right angles to the walls creates a better airflow.
This is also necessary to avoid the development of fungus in places which may not be well aired. For the same
reason full sheet iron must be avoided and instead cross pieces or ladders, which permit air to circulate amongst the
shelves, must be adopted (Karim, 1988; MacKenzie, 1996).
In case of insufficient shelving when records must be stored on the floor, some type of blocks or pallets should
be used so that records are not directly in contact with the floor. If the cost of new shelving is beyond reach, it is
sometimes possible to p urchase second hand shelving. This must be cleaned thoroughly prior to use and it may be
necessary to have it resprayed in case of bad dam age (Ling, 19 98). It is obvious that shelving should be sufficiently
sturdy to withstand earthquakes, and in this case back panels should be considered (see section on Disaster