Collection Emergencies
- What should I do if my collections get wet or moldy?
- How can I get rid of a musty or mildewy smell from my collections?
- How do I get rid of bookworms and bookbugs?
- How can I get rid of the smell of smoke from my collections?
- How do I remove soot from collections?
- How do I find a conservator?
What should I do if my collections get wet or moldy?
Take necessary human safety precautions if the water is contaminated with sewage or other hazards or if there is active mold (looks wet or furry) growth.
Set out objects to air dry immediately upon getting wet or discovery of wetness or mold and control the ambient temperature and relative humidity. If newly wet or moldy paper-based objects cannot be air dried within two days, prepare and freeze 
(Northeast Document Conservation Center). Emergency Guidelines for Art Disasters [PDF: 224 KB / 12 p] (New York Museum of Modern Art) covers -- in addition to paper, books, and photographs -- paintings, framed works of art, optical media, magnetic media, books, and film.
If there are mold stains only, ensure ambient relative humidity stays between 35-55% to prevent regrowth; check items regularly.
How can I get rid of a musty or mildewy smell from my collections?
If there is active (wet or furry) or dried mold, follow the procedures outlined above: What should I do if my collections get wet or moldy?
Over time, musty odors will decrease when items are stored with air circulation/exposure (i.e., not enclosed in a box or other packaging) in cool environments with a relative humidity between 35-55%.
Additionally, you can: Maximize the surface area of the item that is exposed to air; Place item in a closed container with activated charcoal or baking soda (Northeast Document Conservation Center) for several days -- prevent the book from coming into contact with the charcoal or baking soda and check often to make sure there is no mold growth; Briefly expose item to sunlight, but only if the possibility of fading/discoloration/yellowing is acceptable.
How do I get rid of bookworms and bookbugs?
Preventive measures are the first line of defense. Keep collections areas clean, tidy, and free from food and drink residues. Maintain relative humidity between 35-50%.
Once infested, certain collections can be treated by freezing:
- Approaches to Insect Problems in Paper and Books
(Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin) - Solutions--Low Temperature Treatment (MuseumPests.net)
How can I get rid of the smell of smoke from my collections?
Smoky odors can be difficult to eliminate, but the following measures can help:
- Carefully dust the object and remove surface dirt with a clean, soft cosmetic brush or magnetic dusting cloth
- Expose more of the object's surface area to air (e.g., stand hardcover books on end and allow the pages to fan open; place a single sheet of paper on an elevated screen so both sides of the paper are exposed to air)
- Place item in a closed container with activated charcoal or baking soda (Northeast Document Conservation Center) for several days; keep the item from touching the charcoal or baking soda and check daily to make sure there is no mold growth
How do I remove soot from collections?
Soot can have an oily component that is difficult to remove. If the object is of particular historic, monetary, or collecting value, consider consulting a conservator.
Reduce soot with a HEPA vacuum on a low suction setting. Use a soft brush attachment on the end of the hose and vacuum in a direct up-and-down motion (avoid dragging the brush across the surface of the object, which will drive the soot in). Cover fragile objects with a flexible screen, like a plastic window screen, while vacuuming to reduce the risk of damage.
How do I find a conservator?
Two main options for obtaining conservation services are: with a conservator in private practice or at a regional conservation center. The website of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) features information on How to Choose a Conservator and How to Find a Conservator by region, specialty, type of service, etc. The Regional Alliance for Preservation (RAP) maintains a list of conservation services and of U.S. regional conservation centers by geographic area (note: not all RAP members, such as the Library of Congress, offers conservation services to the public).
