Pests and other damaging agents
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Last updated 31-Aug-2007
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As many library resources are made from a variety of organic materials they are vulnerable to pest infestations. Insecticides can be harmful to human health, can damage paper materials and may have little effect on insect eggs. For these reasons non-toxic prevention is recommended. The library needs to be kept clean, dusted, free from food scraps and vacuumed regularly.
To prevent infestation, the library needs to be kept clear of foodstuffs. If infestation is evident the area needs to be cleaned and disinfected. Rodents will simply relocate when the food source is removed.
These insects live on starch, size and paper coatings. Minute black eggs may be noticed on book pages and in the spine. If an infestation is detected the affected materials need to be removed from the library shelves and brushed page-by-page. The book jackets also need to be removed and brushed as eggs can be hidden in dark corners. Surrounding shelf areas should be dismantled, moved, wiped clean and the carpets in the vicinity vacuumed thoroughly.
Mould is a fungus. Mould spores are carried by air and germinate when conditions such as high humidity, warmth, darkness and stagnant air are present. Infested books are stained, pages can be swollen and smell musty. Be mindful that library staff and users can suffer respiratory problems or have allergic reactions to mould infestations. In the interest of occupational health and safety it is advisable to wear disposable gloves and filtration masks when dealing with mouldy books.
Contaminated books can be treated by removing from the library, placing out in the sun to dry as ultraviolet rays kill mould, or if weather does not permit, the books need to be fan dried. Once dry, the books need to be brushed or wiped thoroughly. Library shelves and surrounding areas need to be cleaned.
The best means of preventing the mould spores from germinating is:
- Shelve books in areas where there is more air circulation
- Avoid shelving books on outer walls
- Avoid storing in basements
- Keep the humidity and temperature within recommended guidelines
- Remove indoor plants
- Inspect the books regularly.
Water damaged books and documents must be handled carefully to avoid inflicting any additional damage on the items. The books should be frozen as soon as possible to inhibit mould growth. Books can be packed in heavy duty cardboard boxes lined with plastic garbage bags. Books should be packed one spine up the next spine down to prevent warping. Oversize items can be packed flat with items of a similar size. Pack all items tightly and if there is the possibility of colours bleeding pack freezer wrap between the items.
