Preservation Tips

Proper Lighting and UV Protection

• Keep books out of direct sunlight when storing them

• Don’t place shelves directly next to windows

• If possible, use UV-filtering windows, curtains, or blinds

• mperature before attempting play back

Heat and Humidity

• Keep books in a cool, dry, stable environment

• Monitor temperature and humidity levels year-round

• Watch out for large fluctuations in temp and humidity - fluctuating environmental conditions can cause faster degradation of books

• Temperature should stay around 65℉, with +10℉/-20℉ fluctuation seasonally

• Relative humidity should stay around 45%, with +/-10% fluctuation seasonally

• Avoid storing books in basements, attics, or other areas where water leaks could occur

Pest Management

• Again, avoid storing books in places like basements and attics, where pests are more likely to disturb a collection

• Monitor collections often and watch for signs of pest infestations, such as damage to books or pest droppings in the building

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Housekeeping

• Dust collections often and avoid allowing accumulation of dirt or other residue on the collection - maintaining airflow around the books can help prevent dust accumulation

• Be cautious when using cleaning chemicals around books, as certain chemicals can be harmful and can be absorbed by paper and cause corrosion and degradation

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Proper Handling and Storage

• Avoid overcrowding bookshelves

• Use bookends to keep books from leaning or slumping

• Shelve books of similar size together

• Damaged or fragile books should be housed in boxes to prevent further damage

• Remove books from shelves properly - push in books on either side of the book you are retrieving, or reach over the books and push the desired book out from the back

• Don’t carry too many books at one time - carrying too many books may result in dropping them, causing damage

• Avoid eating while handling books, and use pencils rather than pens while working with books

• Never use paper clips, staples, or rubber bands in or on books. Avoid using adhesives like sticky notes that can leave residue behind or damage pages and book covers