Describes how library staff at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University cleaned up materials after a mold bloom in the rare book room. Includes advice for controlling mold: set up a hygrothermograph, clean dust from books, set up fans, do a "skin" test at regular intervals, keep windows closed, have dehumidifiers available.…

Designed to provide background for the planning of collection preservation programs in the libraries of the University of California, this paper presents an overview of the preservation problem, makes specific recommendations for further programs within the University of California library system, and assesses the needs of the system with regard…

Offers suggestions and outlines procedures for the preservation of the resources of a small library. Brief sections discuss environment (temperature, humidity, housekeeping, light); library binding; simple in-house repairs; other protective measures (enclosures, microfilming); the care of unique objects; and disaster planning. A 21-item…

This paper focuses on some of the effects of climate on library and archives collections in tropical climates, and discusses some prudent alternatives to the mechanical and chemical approaches commonly used to control climate and its immediate effects. One of the most important factors affecting the longevity of library and archival materials is…

Presents concept of preventive conservation of archival records as a new science resulting from the use of modern techniques and chemicals. Various techniques for storage, proper environment, preventive de-acidification, fire prevention, restoration, and staff considerations are described. References are provided. (EJS)

Nigeria, a tropical country, has an overriding concern for the preservation of its library materials from the ravages of heat, high humidity, insects, and mold. This paper generally deals with prevailing climatological problems, existing library facilities and their shortcomings, internal climate control measures, pesticidal treatments,…

Studies specific problems arising from design of archives buildings and examines three main purposes of this type of building, namely conservation, classification and restoration of archives, and the provision of access to them by administrators and research workers. Three references are listed. (Author/EJS)

This report addresses solutions to problems of fungus growth on library materials. The first of four sections--"What Is Mold? Where Does It Come From?"--defines mold, mildew, and fungi, and describes their optimum environment (i.e., generally in conditions with temperatures above 70 degrees and relative humidity above 78%). The second…

Intended to assist developing countries in the essential task of preserving historical records and, therefore, deliberately oriented towards economy and a low level of technology, this study provides an outline of currently accepted standards that archivists in developing countries, especially those in tropical areas, can apply to their own…

Following a description of the essential chemical and physical structures of most archive documents, this paper examines the various pollutants that can damage these documents and gives their characteristics. The pollutants are categorized as environmental (e.g., smokes, mineral dusts); exterior gas and vapor (e.g., oxygen, water, sulphur…

Overview of current trends in the preservation of library materials discusses collections conservation and management; climate control; insect and mold control; fire control; the effects of compact shelving; freezing and freeze-drying; space drying; alkaline paper; recycled paper; mass deacidification; and paper strengthening. (27 notes and…

The survey documented in this report was conducted in 1981 to investigate the preservation conditions, practices, and needs of the units of the University of Texas at Austin General Libraries. The report is divided into six major portions. The first five sections report the responses to questionnaires on specific formats: books and serials;…

This report presents an overview of the damage to library materials caused by uncontrollable environmental variables. The control of atmospheric pollutants, temperature, and humidity are discussed with regard to damage, standards, and the costs of deterioration due to these factors. Twelve references are listed. (FM)

This report deals with problems of keeping the documents in the Russian state library tied up with their storage condition. Cited are results of the observation of temperature, humidity, sanitary, hygienic, and light conditions of storage in depositories with unregulated climate. The report shows the stabilization and research of documents carried…

Discusses the construction of a high density, mobile shelving storage facility addition to the General Library at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus. Building criteria, space considerations, and the utilization of mobile storage technology are noted. Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)