Preservation Scenario 4
The time is "anytime." You are reading while leisurely eating and
drinking a cup of coffee. Quite by accident the cup overturns and
coffee spills over the book. Would you -
- try to remove the stain by washing the paper with soap and
water
- absorb as much of the coffee as possible with a paper towel
and stand the book up to dry
- close the book and hope the wet and stain will not be noticed
- tell the librarian about the accidental spill and be willing
to pay for any repairs
- throw the book away
Answer: B and D. Wet book paper will begin to mold within
48 hours, especially in a warm atmosphere. Moderately wet books
that have no water damage to the spine can be dried by standing
them on a flat surface with covers spread open. The bookblock
should be supported underneath so that it won't begin to pull out
of the case. Gently moving air (ideally from a fan) will shorten
the drying time. By all means, tell the librarian so that
appropriate repairs can be made. This may entail making a new
cover for the book.
UCSD Preservation Program, 1989
Return to previous page