Handling Wet Books and Journals in Circulation Units

DO NOT check wet materials in. Print out an item record for each title in order to identify the patron for possible billing. Identify materials as wet or damaged--include the date returned, your name, and any comments offered by the patron.

* Notify the billing staff immediately to coordinate with Preservation Department repair staff, to determine further preservation and/or billing action. If billing or repair personnel are not available (nights or weekends), proceed with the following actions to prevent mold growth and excessive damage to the books or journals. * Contact repair staff as soon as possible.

1. Drain excess water from the book. Pat covers dry with paper towels or rags if wet.
2. If the item is quite wet, place a paper towel or sheet of absorbent paper between every 50-75 book pages, more frequently for journals. Do not place a sheet between every wet page unless the paper is coated (shiny). Since coated pages will stick together permanently if in contact, interleave absorbent sheets between every page. Check these items frequently during the drying process, replacing the interleaving as necessary.
3. In an area with good air circulation, stand the items on their heads and fan open as much as possible without damaging them, and with support as necessary. Reverse direction of the books occasionally from head to tail. Unbound journals will need additional support from bookends or frequent fanning of pages.
4. When fairly dry, remove interleaving, and leave the pages fanned open until absolutely dry.
5. See Tips for Saving Water-Damage Items for visuals and additional description.

End product: The dry book may show water or dirt stains, and the pages may be wavy, but the book should be fully serviceable. Books can be pressed, repaired, or rebound after drying is complete.

If damaged books belonging to another unit are returned to your branch, contact that branch immediately for instructions on handling the materials and billing responsibilities. Make note of the patron's name, date returned, etc., as outlined above. If a book is moldy with no apparent dampness, DO NOT box up; keeping books in a confined space will encourage further mold growth. Contact Preservation Department staff for immediate action.

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