STEP 5 Recovery, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Water damage

A. Books, periodicals, printed materials:

1. Air Drying (see DRYING METHODS pg 38).

Ventilate work area with fans and dehumidifiers.

Cover work surface with blotting paper or unprinted newsprint. Change paper frequently to keep humidity levels low.

Stand books "on their heads" (upside down) with covers opened slightly, if they are strong enough. Books that cannot stand can be leaned lightly against one another.

When books are dry, they should be closed up, laid flat, and gently formed into their normal shape.

Allow books several days to dry. The slower they dry, the more they will return to their original shape.

Manuscripts and loose sheets can be interleaved with blotting paper. Use weights to flatten sheets. If papers have been stored in boxes, it may be that only the carton is wet; if so, remove contents from boxes and wrap in clean white paper clearly marked in pencil as to the contents.

Pamphlets may be hung over wire or nylon lines.

Should mold develop, isolate affected items and treat immediately.

2. Freezer drying (see DRYING METHODS pg 38) options include:

Vacuum Thermal-drying

Freezer Drying

Vacuum Freeze Drying

B. Electronic Media (floppy disks, CD ROM, tapes):

If backups are available, discard the water soaked originals.

Air dry by removing them from their jackets or containers with gloved hands. Do not touch the surface.

Wash floppys and tapes (the edges) in cold distilled water or Freon alcohol solutions to remove contaminants from smoke, then air-dry.

Insert into new jackets (cannibalize from new disks) or cartridges, then copy data to new disks or tapes. Clean drive heads frequently.

CD ROMs should be gently wiped from center outward (not a circular motion) with a dry cloth, do not use liquid. Be sure caddy is dried too. If smoke deposits or grit remain, consider the CD a loss and replace

C. The Building

Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. Include floors, walls, undersides and backs of shelves, and any other furniture at hand in the process.

Replace and repair systems such as fire detection and extinguishing systems, water, and electricity.

Stabilize the climate control systems to levels that will be unfavorable to mold and insect infestation (68 - 70F, RH 50-53%). Monitor the environment with thermo hygrometer.

RESHELVE THE COLLECTIONS ONLY AFTER:

Materials are thoroughly dry.

All repairs have been made to the items being reshelved and to the storage areas.

Identification markings on items have been replaced if necessary.

Records are updated to reflect status of the materials.

Mold and Mildew

Consult a conservator (call the Georgia Archives for advice) if the materials are severely affected.

Wear plastic or rubber gloves and filtration masks when handling moldy materials.

Fogging and/or fumigation with chemical treatments may be justified if infestation is widespread, but every precaution must be taken to select methods that do not put the safety of personnel, the public, or the collection at risk. Use of thymol, trichloroethalane, or ethylene oxide is currently in question as to safety. Materials are best treated in a vacuum chamber by a professional.

If the number of items affected is small, brush off loose mold with soft paintbrush or clean rag. Wipe bindings with Lysol solution. Be careful not to brush mold into the air indoors or onto other objects. Do this outdoors or under a fume hood. Store used rags in sealed plastic bags until they can be washed in bleach. Loose mold may also be removed by vacuuming.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected area, including the ventilation system, if possible. Include floors, walls, undersides and backs of shelves, and any other furniture at hand in the process.

Monitor temperature and humidity in the shelving areas. Make adjustments to environmental controls to avoid further outbreaks.

Reshelve or return items to their proper locations only after the materials are dry and mold free.

Insect and Rodent Infestation

Vacuum the materials and the affected areas to remove dirt, eggs, etc.

Use non-chemical means, e.g., traps, to eliminate problems where possible.

Fogging and/or fumigation may be justified, but every precaution must be taken to select methods that do not put the safety of personnel, the public, or the collection at risk. Use of thymol, trichloroethalane, or ethylene oxide is currently in question as to safety. Materials are best treated in a vacuum chamber by a professional.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area before reshelving collection. Ensure good ventilation. Include floors, undersides and backs of shelves, and any other furniture at hand in the process.