Jean-Leon Allie Library and Archives
biblio@ustpaul.ca
Telephone: 613-236-1393
1-800-637-6859
Ext. 2357
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The Jean-Léon Allie Library and Archives presents the exhibit 

Catastrophe in the Library: Threatening Print

from January 11 to February 22, 2016

The condition of books can be threatened by humans, nature and biology. Rare books are especially vulnerable due to their age and often fragile condition. Some of the threats include…

The Books Themselves

Depending on when the book was published, the paper, ink and binding material could all deteriorate or corrode over time. Paper is vulnerable to chemical reactions during the ageing process and leather bindings are vulnerable to damage if they get too damp or frozen.

‘Red rot’ can be an eventual result of the tanning process. It is caused by the degradation of vegetable-tanned leather. The book seen below is an example of red rot.

Red rot

Biology and Pollution

Books could be damaged by mould, mildew and spores. Exposure to certain chemicals or ozone, sulfur and nitrogen can also be damaging. ‘Foxing,’ yellow or brown spots, could be caused by mold or possibly iron contaminants in the paper.

Mold on book

Water and Sunlight 

Books that are exposed to water can be ruined. Direct (and sometimes even indirect) sunlight will cause dust jackets to deteriorate and leather to become brittle.

Water damage

Up in Flames

Although it may be a rarity, never underestimate the damage fire can cause to books. Smoke is also dangerous in that it can leave a residue and cause warping.

Burn on book

The Human Factor

Much damage from books comes from human error or mismanagement. Poor handling and improper stacking can also be problems. Poor storage environment also plays a role, such as building defects, poor air circulation and equipment failure.

Broken spine

The Notorious Bookworm

Insects can be a major source of damage to rare books, especially by eating or burrowing through the pages. The bookworm, which is actually a type of beetle larvae that likes the glue of old books, is a famous example of this, but cockroaches and silverfish are others of note.

Book worm damage