The environment comes first

The Canadian Conservation Institute notes that poor storage and environmental factors, alongside handling, are the main sources of harm to books. Leather bindings in particular are susceptible to atmospheric pollutants such as sulphur dioxide.

In a Canadian home the practical priority is stability. Forced-air heating dries indoor air through the winter, while summer can be humid; books fare best where conditions stay moderate and change slowly. Avoid attics, unfinished basements and any shelf directly above a radiator or heating vent.

Handling

  • Remove a book by pushing back its neighbours and grasping the middle of the spine, rather than pulling the headcap at the top.
  • Use a bookmark instead of folding down a corner, and keep food and drink away from the reading area.
  • Open new or stiff bindings gently rather than forcing them flat.

Routine care

Good housekeeping does most of the work. The CCI recommends inspecting for dust and dusting shelving at least every twelve months, and dealing with any sign of mould or pest activity immediately.

  1. Dust robust cloth bindings with a soft-bristled brush or a dry lint-free cloth.
  2. Do not use moisture on bindings, as it can darken or lift the surface.
  3. Leave very soiled or leather-bound books to a professional conservator.
Mould warning

The CCI cautions that mould is a significant health risk and that mould on books should not be cleaned without the appropriate precautions. If you find active mould, isolate the book and seek qualified advice before handling it further.

Repairs

Resist the urge to reach for tape. Pressure-sensitive tapes such as common household and packing tapes cause permanent damage. Lasting repairs of tears use Japanese tissue paper and wheat starch paste, and are best carried out by a qualified book or paper conservator. Detached pieces can be kept safely in archival envelopes until they are repaired.

Enclosures for valued volumes

For a handful of treasured books, protective enclosures help. The CCI describes enclosures as a key strategy that can mitigate the effects of handling, dust, pollutants, light and short-term swings in relative humidity, such as those caused by a power outage or a nearby leak.

References

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