Collections
Moulds and Insects
- A paper document eaten by insects
Some of the book’s main enemies are a variety of insects and other small creatures. If these infestations are not controlled, the damage to collections could be substantial. Good housekeeping is the best weapon in this battle.
Insects
The insects that cause the worst damage to books are silver fish, book lice, moths and a variety of beetles. They enjoy feasting on paper, the starch in paste and the gelatine found in glue.
- Mould growth on books
Mould Growth
If the environment is too humid and warm, mould will appear, and can stain, weaken and destroy books and other objects. It is important not to breathe the spores as they can cause many allergies or even worse ailments.
If you find a mould-infested book at home, the volume should be carefully brushed clean in the open air. If the volume is still damp, it should be left standing with its pages open to air-dry. Once the book is dry, and if the book is kept under the correct environmental conditions, the mould growth should not reappear.
Guidelines to lessen the effects of moulds and insects
Infestations such as insects and mould growth thrive in a warm and humid environment, and therefore they won’t manifest in collections if the room temperature is a stable 15-18ºC and if the relative humidity (Rh) remains between 45-50%
