Library Preservation and Conservation Tutorial

Plan for Air-Drying Wet Books

Take the following steps before air drying materials on site. If air drying is delayed or if more time is needed to make critical decisions, use any available freezer for storing wet materials.

1. Staff. Gather the disaster action team together. A general rule is that two staff members, working as a team, can handle up to 100 volumes in two hours. At least one staff member on the disaster action team should be trained in handling and air drying wet library materials. Asterisks on the disaster action team list indicate which members have received training.
2. Air drying and packing area. Decide which preidentified space in the library for drying and packing wet materials will be used.

Designated areas for air drying books:

a.

b.

c.

Access (persons to contact for keys to the above areas):

1. Environment. Try to reduce the relative humidity of the affected area. Turn on the air conditioner to full power or open windows to ventilate the area. Bring fans and dehumidifiers to the scene to speed drying and help prevent mold growth.
2. Equipment and supplies. Assemble all necessary supplies, equipment, and services.

Location of emergency unit supply box: _____________________ Access to emergency supply box (unit staff with key):

Location and availability of other supplies on site:

• Electric fans:
• Wet-dry vacuum:
• Mops and buckets:
• Floor squeegees:
• Garbage containers:
• Book trucks:

For additional supplies not found in-house, contact:

a. Preservation department (telephone____________), which may be able to supply some items and will help coordinate the location of other items, such as fans, wet-dry vacuums, dehumidifiers, freezer space, and additional plastic sheeting.

b. Institutional stores (telephone______________).

c.

Unit staff authorized to commit funds for additional supplies: