This weeks class reading was 6 'leaflets' explaining various environmental concerns regarding Preservation and Conservation of materials. These covered quite a bit of ground and one thing I had not really thought of in regard to maintaining materials was temperature. Especially in regards to the concern of a book after it has been in cold storage. Odgen, in leaflet 2.1 states, "...the radical, rapid temperature changes [materials] experience may cause condensation on them." They suggest gradual acclimation of materials. This seems like a logical idea, but also one that I would imagine can be overlooked rather easily (much as many children have accidentally killed their fish after changing the tank water and putting the fish right back in the water).
I also thought the comment that the perfect place to keep materials is a cool, sealed box in a windowless room was rather striking. While this may hep maintain the materials is isn't reasonable for the average (or really, any) library. However it makes a good point. Light can be very damaging: one of my memories from before the invention of the DVD was the VHS tapes had melted from sitting in the sun that video rental stores would use to demonstrate 'unacceptable treatment'. While damage to books from light may not be as noticeable as quickly it makes sense that it is something to be concerned about. This made me wonder about throw the physical space of libraries have changed as newer preservation and conservation practices have developed. Is it more common for new libraries to have a different layout? new windows? different heating/cooling technologies?
This question had me searching for information on the newer libraries in the Twin Cities area. I found a news article http://www.startribune.com/local/west/93811564.html?page=2&c=y about the new Maple Grove Library (opened May of this year) which mentions various aspects of its design including windows, heating/cooling, and user-friendliness. Looking at pictures of this new building (on the library web site: http://www.hclib.org/News.cfm?ID=4548&agency=MG ) I have noticed a few things. In order to make the Maple Grove Library a 'community center' the library has added LOTS of windows and an outside reading area (talk about books being exposed to light! Yikes!) and an automated sorting machine for the book return (which can't be that kind to books). However the library also has taken pains to maintain constant temperture control: they have a heating/cooling system that works with an outside water source and they grow plants on the roof of the building (which regulates temperature and helps water run-off which would prevent water damage to materials in the future). Does this mean that all libraries sacrifice some of their conservation and preservation effort to satisfy the patron's needs? After looking at this I have begun to think that it does, in order to satisfy your patrons, whomever they may be, you need to take into account what they need. Which is why your collection won't be in a sealed box in a windowless room.
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