Material matters more than it looks
The Canadian Conservation Institute identifies baked enamel steel shelving that stands away from exterior walls as the most desirable option for protecting books. The reasoning is chemical as much as structural: the wrong material can slowly harm the very books it holds.
Uncoated wood shelving is not recommended, because it can release acidic vapours that damage books over time. Where wood is used, the CCI advises painting it with a high-quality acrylic or vinyl-acrylic latex paint, and avoiding oil-based paints, varnishes and oil-modified polyurethane, which release corrosive materials as they dry. Uncoated or painted shelves can also be lined with clear polyester film such as Mylar, which is stable and nearly invisible once books are in place.
If you already own wooden shelves, you do not need to replace them. Seal or paint them appropriately, or line them with stable polyester film, and keep them away from outside walls.
Placement
- Away from exterior walls. Outside walls are cooler and more prone to condensation, which raises the risk of mould.
- Away from heat sources. Radiators, heating vents and direct sun all create local extremes.
- Out of damp rooms. Unfinished basements and attics swing furthest in temperature and humidity.
Support and spacing
Books are structural objects, and how they sit changes how they age.
- Shelve volumes upright and reasonably snug, using bookends so they neither lean nor are crushed.
- Lay large or heavy volumes flat rather than forcing them to stand.
- Leave a little air space so books can be removed without tugging at the spine or headcap.
Dust control
Glass-fronted cases help keep out dust, which is abrasive, can soil bindings, attracts insects and encourages mould. For open shelves, plan on regular dusting instead, which the preservation note covers in detail.
References
- Basic care – Books — Canadian Conservation Institute
- CCI Notes 11/7, Basic Care of Books — Canada.ca