Books Gone Bad
Mold in Library Collections
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Extensive dampness in the building, known chronic plumming or building leaks, and regular outbreaks of mold in your library collection can all indicate a more serious prolem: your building may be compromised.

Situations leading to a compromised building are beyond the scope of this web site; however, they contribute to the development of moldy environments that can destroy a library’s collection and damage the health of your staff, patrons and yourself.

If you suspect a mold problem in your building, inform your city manager, building owner or landlord – get them on your side in case more serious action becomes necessary. Tracking the indoor climate with a hygrometer provides valuable information when making your case.

If you find your building compromised, contact a mold specialist for advice.

As a last resort, if the building owner or landlord are not helpful, enlist the aid of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

If allowed to get bad enough, mold exposure may even make people unable to enter your library due to mold sensitization.
 

Books Gone Bad - Mold in Library Collections was a project sponsored by Maine College of Art, in partnership with the Joanne Waxman Library. Funding for this project came from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. The Project Lead and Artist for this project was Diane J. Wren. All contents Copyright © 2011 by Diane J. Wren. All rights reserved. No part of this web site may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, or stored in a data base or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Diane J. Wren.