Our Blog

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1. Environment Matters Most

Temperature: Keep books in a stable, cool environment — ideally 60–70°F (16–21°C).
Humidity: Relative humidity should be 40–55%. Avoid fluctuations, which cause paper and bindings to expand/contract.
Avoid attics, basements, and garages, which are prone to moisture, pests, and temperature swings.

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2. Light Exposure

Avoid direct sunlight — UV light causes fading and deterioration of paper and bindings.
Use UV-filtering window film or store books away from windows.
Low ambient lighting is best; LED lighting is safer than incandescent.

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3. Handling and Cleaning

Clean hands (no lotions); cotton gloves are not always necessary unless handling delicate vellum or manuscript pages.
Support spines while reading — don’t force books open.
Dust with a soft brush (e.g., sable or goat hair) directed away from the spine.

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4. Shelving and Storage

Store upright, spine out — but not too tightly packed.
For large or heavy books, store flat (horizontally).
Use bookends to keep books upright without leaning.
Shelves should be made of sealed wood or metal; raw wood can off-gas harmful acids.

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5. Enclosures and Materials

Use acid-free, lignin-free boxes or slipcases for valuable or fragile items.
Consider Mylar or polyester dust jackets for books with original dust wrappers.
Avoid plastic wrap or non-archival adhesives.

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6. Pest and Mold Prevention

Keep area clean and well-ventilated.
Watch for silverfish, booklice, and mold spots — early detection is key.
Avoid food, drinks, and plants near book storage.

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7. Documentation and Identification

Avoid writing directly on books. If necessary, use a soft pencil for notations.
Store provenance, receipts, or documentation in acid-free folders separately or with the book.

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8. Transport and Temporary Storage

When moving books, pack tightly with padding to prevent shifting.
Use acid-free tissue between covers if stacking.
Avoid heat exposure (e.g., car trunks in summer).