 | Prevention and treatment of mold in library collections with an emphasis on tropical climates: A RAMP study |
 |  | Preface |
| | Acknowledgements |
|  | 1. Introduction |
| | 1.1 Climate |
| | 1.2 Materials |
| | 1.3 Modifying the environment |
| | Literature cited |
| | 2. Mold |
| | 2.1 Structure of mold |
| | 2.2 Environmental and nutritional factors in growth and survival |
| | 2.2.1 Temperature |
| | 2.2.2 Moisture |
| | 2.2.3 Nutrients |
| | Literature cited |
| | 3. Implications for library materials |
| | 3.1 Vulnerability of materials |
| | 3.1.1 Paper - cellulose, sizes, coatings |
| | 3.1.2 Bookcloth |
| | 3.1.3 Leather |
| | 3.1.4 Adhesives |
| | 3.1.5 Film and related materials |
| | 3.2 Environmental factors |
| | 3.2.1 Circulation |
| | 3.2.2 Relative humidity |
| | 3.2.3 Temperature |
| | Literature cited |
| | 4. Prevention |
| | 4.1 Building design and modification |
| | 4.1.1 Location |
| | 4.1.2 Structural considerations in environmental modification |
| | 4.2 Interior modifications in existing facilities |
| | 4.2.1 Location of stack and storage areas |
| | 4.2.2 Stack arrangement |
| | 4.2.3 Localized environmental modification |
| | 4.2.4 Creating microclimates in cabinets and cases |
| | 4.3 Stack maintenance |
| | Literature cited |
| | 5. Fungicides and fumigation |
| | 5.1 Fungicides |
| | 5.2 Fumigation |
| | 5.3 Toxicity of fumigants |
| | Literature cited |
| | 6. Treatment |
| | 6.1 Small outbreaks - localized high relative humidity |
| | 6.1.1 Books |
| | 6.1.2 Unbound materials (documents, maps, works of art on paper) |
| | 6.1.3 Photographs, negatives and microfilm |
| | 6.1.4 General area |
| | 6.2 Moderate outbreaks - Major and prolonged periods of high humidity or minor flooding |
| | 6.2.1 Books |
| | 6.2.2 Unbound materials |
| | 6.2.3 Photographs, negatives and microfilm |
| | 6.2.4 General area |
| | 6.3 Major outbreaks - Major flooding and prolonged exposure |
| | 6.3.1 Priorities and planning |
| | 6.3.2 Prevention of mold growth on site |
| | 6.3.3 Freezing |
| | 6.3.4 Drying |
| | Literature cited |
| | 7. Equipment and supplies |
| | 7.1 Monitoring equipment |
| | 7.2 Prevention |
| | 7.3 Treatment |
| | 7.4 Emergency treatment |
| | 8. Selected bibliography |
4.3 Stack maintenance
Routine cleaning and maintenance lack glamour in every library, however it is particularly important where environmental control is lacking. When natural ventilation is used to maintain adequate circulation, dirt and dust is a constant problem. Since these particles are hygroscopic, attracting and holding moisture from the air, and since they often contain nutrients required by molds, the constant cleaning of stack areas is essential in tropical climates. Vacuuming will also reduce, even if only temporarily, the number of spores on materials. In savanna climates, a thorough cleaning just before the rainy season may eliminate outbreaks of mold altogether.
A routine schedule for vacuuming of all books in the stacks on an annual basis (or as often as possible) should be established and maintained. Frequent inspection of the stack areas is also important, particularly little used sections and storage areas.
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