Wondering what to do with your old books and documents ...???

This document provides some information and suggestions about how to deal with the most common problems related to old books, documents, maps, photographs, etc.

More information about old books is available in the document Your old books, produced by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries.

Conservation/Preservation Information for the General Public includes a wealth of information about conservation and preservation.

Common problems

Mildew

Mildew is characterized by a musty odour and, sometimes, by a powdery deposit on a book. It is caused by molds, which thrive under certain environmental conditions. Mildew is easier to prevent than to remove. Consult a professional conservator if mildew or mold presents a problem.

The pamphlet, How to Prevent and Remove Mildew (Ref SB741.M65H688x Rare Book) may be useful.

Foxing

The annoying rust-brown measles-like spots that are frequently found on paper in older books and prints are known as foxing. Foxing is evidence that fungi have been at work, but they are no longer active. The foxing is a result of the chemical reaction between iron impurities in the paper and the organic acids released by the paper.

Foxing stains can only be removed by bleaching, a particularly hazardous operation which can easily damage the entire book. Bleaching is not recommended for most library materials and when it is done, it should only be done by very experienced conservators. Thus, foxing is an unpleasantness best ignored.

Water damage

It is sometimes possible to salvage books and papers which have become wet, but the assistance of a professional conservator is required. As soon as possible after you discover that an item has become wet, place it inside a plastic freezer bag, seal it, and put it into the freezer immediately. Contact a professional conservator for advice as to how to proceed.

Brittle paper

Paper materials, especially items printed since the 1850's, are often brittle and in need of attention. First it is necessary to remove the acid from the paper, for that is what causes the primary deterioration. This process, called de-acidification, is usually done by washing the paper in an aqueous, or water, solution to remove the impurities. This must be done carefully by hand, and can be a very expensive procedure. Always consult a professional conservator.

Regular bindings and re-binding

To locate firms which bind books, loose periodical issues, and repair volumes with missing or damaged covers, consult the Yellow Pages in the telephone directory under Bookbinders--Specialty.

Fine bindings

For leather bindings, gold lettering, and other custom bindings, consult the Yellow Pages in the telephone directory under Bookbinders--Specialty, or contact the following for a referral:

Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild
35 McCaul St.
Suite 220
Toronto, Ont.
M5T 1V7
contact: Shelagh Smith 416-851-1554

Special problems, conservation & restoration, and advice

For advice about special problems, contact:

Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild
35 McCaul St.
Suite 220
Toronto, Ont.
M5T 1V7
contact: Shelagh Smith 416-851-1554

Preservation of single letters, documents, etc.

Flat items which are still in relatively good condition can be encapsulated in Mylar, which provides some support to the item and reduces damage from handling while allowing an item to be viewed from both sides. For instructions on how to encapsulate an item in Mylar, consult either of the following books:

Polyester Film Encapsulation. Washington: Library of Congress, 1980. (Ref. Z701.P65x 1980 Rare Book)
Davis, Nancy. Handle with Care: Preserving Your Heirlooms. Rochester: Rochester Museum & Science Center, 1991.(Ref AM 141.D38x 1991). Rare Book)

Photographs

Many old photographs, exposed for years to environmental and physical hazards which have unbalanced their already unstable composition, are today in extremely fragile condition and require great care in handling, as well as the care of a qualified conservator in the case of the more valuable prints. Because of their fragile physical and chemical nature, these artifacts are even more subject to inadvertent damage by amateur hands than other works of art on paper, including books. A professional conservator should be consulted. The Yellow Pages listings under, Photo Retouching, may be helpful in locating such a service.

Modern colour photographs and negatives are of increasing concern due to fading over time. A useful book to consult on the stability of photographic negatives and film is:

Wilhelm, Henry. The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs. (Ref TR 465.W55 1993 Rare Book).

Family papers, documents, etc.

Some basic information on how to organize your personal papers can be found in:

Payne, Marjorie. Your Buried Treasures: Can You Find Them? A Records Retention Plan for Individuals and Entrepreneurs. (Carol Stream, Ill.: C. Berger, 1991) (Ref HF 5736.P38x 1991 Rare Book)

Quick tips

Here are some suggestions for simple measures that will help to preserve your old books, documents, and photographs:

Protect books, document, and photographs from extremes of temperature and humidity.
Museums usually maintain a temperature below 22 degrees Centigrade (72 degrees F), and a relative humidity of around 50 per cent.
Reduce the risk of damage from mold by storing valuable items in a clean, well-ventilated environment.
Dust books and bookshelves periodically to control air-borne molds and dirt.
Handle valuable books, documents, and especially photographs, with care.
Shelve books in an upright position. Do not overcrowd bookshelves.
Leave repairs to the experts.
Never use adhesive tape to repair damaged items.
Use acid-free paper products for storage and display of valuable items.
Acid-free buffered paper products help to protect paper from deterioration.
Photographs should be stored and displayed using acid-free unbuffered materials. Limit exposure to light.
Use only archival-quality plastics. Mylar (R) protective sleeves, page protectors, etc., are widely available. Do not use plastic products that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or plastics whose composition is unknown.

Supplies for preservation

Acid-free paper, envelopes, file folders, boxes, and other museum-quality supplies are available from several firms. Sample catalogues can be consulted in the Doris Lewis Rare Book Room.

A museum and archival supplies handbook is available for $5.00 from:
Ontario Museum Association,
38 Charles St. E.,
Toronto, ON M4Y 1T1 (416-923-3868)

Bibles

Most old Bibles have more sentimental than monetary value.

For information on unique or rare Bibles (e.g. the Breeches Bible, the "Wicked Bible"), please ask the staff of the Doris Lewis Rare Book Room for the following titles:

Rare Bibles: an Introduction for Collectors and a Descriptive Checklist. New York: Duschnes, 1963. (Ref Z7770.R8x 1954 Rare Book)
Historical Catalogue of Printed Editions of the English Bible: 1525-1961. London: Bible Society, 1968. (Ref Z7771.E5A47 Rare Book)
The Cambridge History of the Bible. Cambridge: University Press, 1963. (Ref BS445.C26 v. 3 Rare Book)

Suggestions for further reading

The Abbey newsletter. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Academy Book Bindery, 1975- (Per Z701.A22x Rare Book)
Caring for your collections. New York: Abrams, 1992.(Ref AM303.C37 1992 Rare Book)
Cole, Susan. Family papers. New Orleans, La.: Historic New Orleans Collection, 1983. (Ref CD976.C64x 1983 Rare Book)
Davis, Nancy. Handle with care: Preserving Your Heirlooms. Rochester: Rochester Museum & Science Center, 1991. (Ref AM141.D38x 1991 Rare Book)
Dolloff, Francis W. How to Care for Works of Art on Paper. Boston: Museum of Fine Arts, 1971. (Ref N8560.D64 1971 Rare Book)
Greenfield, Jane. The Care of Fine Books. New York: Lyons & Burford, 1988. (G10940 Rare Book)
How to Prevent and Remove Mildew: Home Methods. Washington, D.C.: U. S. Govt. Printing Office, 1980. (Ref SB741.M65H688x 1980 Rare Book)
ICC Notes. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1983- (Ref AM141.I25x)
Reilly, James M. Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographic Prints. Rochester: Eastman Kodak, 1986. (G8489 Rare Book)
Sheppard's Book Dealers in North America: a Directory of Antiquarian and Secondhand Book Dealers in the U.S A. and Canada. Old Woking, Surrey, England: Richard Joseph. Annual. (Ref Z475.B63 Rare Book)
Wilhelm, Henry. The Permanence and Care of Color Photographs: Traditional and Digital Color Prints, Color Negatives, Slides, and Motion Pictures. Grinnell, Iowa: Preservation Pub. Co., 1993. (Ref TR465.W55 1993)

Special Collections