Antique Way

Antique Books Preservation Method

Method 1--Store books out of direct sunlight and where air can circulate freely. Store them away from windows and don't put them on shelves against outside walls.

Store books on flat, smooth shelves that are strong enough to support their weight. Ideally, books should not be in contact with unsealed wood because it can release damaging acidic vapors. Line shelves with acid free board to prevent this problem. Stand books vertically side by side. Keep similar sizes together: small books next to small books, and large books next to large books. Use bookends to keep the books from falling over, and be sure they are high enough to support the books completely.

Avoid storing books in an attic or basement because attics get too hot and basements get too damp. Both are also subject to rapid changes in temperature and humidity levels. Keep books out from under plumbing and water pipes; water damage from these sources is all too common.

To protect books with monetary or sentimental value, keep them in custom-fitted archival boxes made from high-quality materials.

Method 2--Yes. Books can be air-dried, or frozen and then dried at a later date.

The most important thing to do to save your wet books is to take action immediately, or as soon as possible, after they have gotten wet. In warm and humid conditions, mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after the materials have gotten wet. Stabilize and air dry as much of the collection as possible. What cannot be air-dried in 48 hours, can probably be frozen to stabilize and dry at a later time. Check with a conservator.

Fan volumes open and stand them on the top or bottom edge on an absorbent material which is changed as it becomes wet. As the book dries turn it upside-down. Humidity levels should be maintained below 75% RH with dehumidifiers. Low temperatures will assist in the avoidance of mold problems.

Increasing air circulation will dry out most items efficiently. Use electric fans to provide maximum air circulation, but do not point them directly at the drying books. Weather permitting, set up a drying space outdoors, under cover.

Mold is the greatest risk and hazard, both to books and to humans. If you suspect or see mold, or think that the water may have been contaminated with sewage or harmful chemicals, you must wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask while salvaging your books. Also, take strict precautions to protect your skin and lungs. If mold is present, seek professional advice and proceed with caution. If any negative health effects are observed, contact a doctor, mycologist, or both, before proceeding. Local colleges and universities can help you find a mycologist.

Method 3--The smell comes from biological growth on books that are stored in damp, dark, cool locations. Check for active or dormant mold. Remove the materials to a drier (but still cool) environment, and make sure that plenty of air is circulating around them. These conditions should render the biological growth dormant. If the mildewed materials are stored for an extended period under such coonditions, the smell will eventually disappear of its own accord. The same technique can be applied to dry books affected with active mold. If you can see mold growth, DO NOT attempt to clean it off under the materials are thoroughly dry. Premature clearning attempts will grind the mold into the covers or paper and cause stains that are often impossible to remove.

A short exposure to sunlight and circulating air outdoors also may help to rid the books of the mildew smell. Remember, though, that light damages paper-based materials. Drying materials in the sunlight may result in some darkening or fading of book materials and paper, so select this approach only with materials for which such damage is considered acceptable.

Method 4--Isolate the affected books by placing them in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Seek assistance from an entomologist. A local university or state extension service should be able to put you in touch with one. Fumigation must be performed by professionals under controlled conditions. Non-chemical preventive measures against insects include:

Seal entry points including windows, doors and put filters on vents.
Keep room temperatures and humidity levels low (insects need water, too).
Keep the environment clean and dusted, and don't store books near food or rubbish, etc.
Dessicant dusts like diatomaceous earth or silica, can be used around the perimeters of a room, but will not be effective for insects with a winged portion of the life cycle.

Method 5--Newspaper is made from wood fibers and it will turn dark and brittle very quickly, particularly when exposed to light. Although it can be chemically treated to slow down further deterioration, many of the treatments will also darken the paper. Newspaper will damage other paper or photographic materials with which they are stored if the other items are not protected from them.

The only way to preserve the original is to store them properly:

Place clipping in a polyester film folder with a sheet of alkaline buffered paper behind it.
Put the polyester folders in file folders and boxes of high-quality acid-free, alkaline buffered materials.
Store in a cool and dry location, such as a closet in an air-conditioned room.