Antique Books Preservation

 Frequently Asked Questions on Book Preservation

• How should I store my books?
• How should I display documents or works of art on paper?
• Can I save wet books? What if my books are moldy?
• How can I get rid of the smell of mildew in my books?
• I have an infestation. How can I get rid of bugs in my books?
• How can I preserve my newspaper clippings?
• The leather on my books is worn and scuffed. Should I oil my leather bindings?

How should I store my books?

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.

How should I display documents or works of art on paper?

Protect such items by hinging them into mats that have both a back board and a window board. Ask your picture framer for museum-quality mat board. To be of museum quality, the board must be free of acid (alkaline, ideally pH 7to pH 9) and colored with non-damaging dyes that don't run if they get wet.  The board could be 100% cotton rag or chemically purified wood pulp (high alpha-cellulose and negative to lignin). Poor quality mats can damage the pictures they are supposed to protect. The most common damage is dark yellow staining, particularly around the edges of the window mat that frames the picture. Known as "matburn," the stain is caused by migration of acidic components in the board. Matburn can discolor an item dramatically and is also an indication of chemical damage to the paper.

The method used to mount the document or picture in the mat is critical. It should be attached to the backboard of the mat with long-fibered paper hinges (Japanese paper, usually) and cooked starch paste. Although a straightforward procedure, accomplishing it successfully can be tricky, so it's best to leave the task to a trained conservator or professional picture framer. A less complicated, but still archivally sound, alternative is secure the item in the mat with photocorners. High-quality polyester or paper photocorners can be purchased from conservation suppliers.

<< Previous    [1]  2  3    Next >>