A Selective Bibliography, 1990-2009
Cindy Connelly Ryan, Preservation Research and Testing Division
Library of Congress Preservation Directorate
September 2009
The problem of acidity in books and paper artifacts has been a subject of concern and study by collection managers, conservators, and cultural heritage scientists for decades. This bibliography contains articles on the practical implementation and underlying material science of the diverse methods for mass deacidification used or proposed during the last 20 years. Papers on curatorial, philosophical, or administrative approaches have not been comprehensively included, and single-item treatment methods are included only when they are variations of mass-scale processes. Earlier literature may be located via two 1991 bibliographies by Zimmermann and Liénardy, cited here.
Library of Congress Reports
Buchanan, S. et al. An Evaluation of the Bookkeeper Mass Deacidification Process. Technical Evaluation Team Report for the Preservation Directorate, Washington, D.C.: Preservation Directorate, Library of Congress, 1994.
Dalrymple, W. “A Paper Chase: Technology Helps Library Save Its Collections on Paper.” Library of Congress Information Bulletin 56 (1997), 148-151.
Harris, K. “A Paper Chase: Saving the Written Word at the Library of Congress.” In: Preservation Management: Between Policy and Practice. Papers of the European Conference of the European Commission on Preservation and Access (ECPA), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA-PAC), The Hague, 19-21 April 1999. 1999, 36-46.
Harris, K., and C. Shahani. Mass Deacidification Reports Issued by the Library of Congress. Technical reports on the Bookkeeper and Diethyl Zinc processes. Washington, D.C.: Preservation Directorate, Library of Congress, 1994.
Harris, K., and C. Shahani. “Library of Congress Mass Deacidification Update.” International Preservation News 10 (1995), 6-7.
Library of Congress Technical Specifications for Mass Deacidification; RFP 90-21. Preservation Directorate, Library of Congress Washington, D.C., 2004. [PDF: 4.91 MB / 115 p.]
Sierra, M.-L. (2004). “Desadificación masiva en la Biblioteca del Congreso de los Estados Unidos.” R&R: Restauración & Rehabilitación 89 (2004), 56-63.
Zimmermann, C. Bibliography on Mass Deacidification Washington, DC: Library of Congress, 1991.
General Topics
Baranski, A., K. Frankowicz, Z. Harnicki, Z. Kozinski, Z., and T. Lojewwski. “Acidic Books in Libraries: How to Count Them?” In Cultural Heritage Research: A Pan-European Challenge. Edited by R. Kozlowski et al. (R. Kozlowski et al., eds.) Brussels: European Commission, OPOCE, 2003, 283-285.
Begin, L., J.Iraci, and K. Hendriks. “Accelerated Aging as an Aid in the Evaluation of Mass Deacidification Treatments.” In International Conference on Conservation and Restoration of Archive and Library Materials, Erice, Italy, CCSEM, 22-29 April 1996: Preprints. Rome Instituto Central par la Patologia del Libro, 1996, 629-642.
Blüher, A., and G. Grossenbacher, editors. Save Paper! Mass Deacidification, Today’s Experiences, Tomorrow’s Perspectives: papers given at the international conference, 15-17 February 2006. Bern: Swiss National Library, 2006.
Cedzová, M., Gállová, and S. Katuscák. “Patents for Paper Deacidification.” Restaurator 27 no. 1 (2006), 35-45.
Daniel, F., F. Flieder, F. Juchald, and C. Yver. “Study of the Homogeneity of Mass Deacidification Treatments Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.” In Preventive Conservation: Practice, Theory and Research. Preprints of the Contributions to the Ottawa Congress, 12-16 September 1994. Edited by A. Roy and P. Smith, 217-222. London: International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, 1994.
Dufour, J., and J. Havermans. “Study of the Photo-Oxidation of Mass-Deacidified Papers.” Restaurator 22 no. 1 (2001), 20-40.
Havermans, J. “The Effects of Air Pollutants on Accelerated Aging of Cellulose Containing Materials. Preliminary results of the STEP project (CT90-0100).” In Environment et Conservation de l’Écrit, de l’Image et du Son: Actes Deuxièmes Journées Internationales d’Études de l’ARSAG, 16-20 Mai 1994. Philadelphia, PA: Institute for Standards Research, 1994, 39-47.
Larsen, R., J. Wouters, F, Juchauld, and A. Blüher. “Bookbinding Leather in the Paper Deacidification Process. Part 1: Analytical Investigation of the Leather.” ICOM Committee for Conservation 14th Triennial Meeting, The Hague, 12-16 September 2005. Preprints. London: James & James, 2005, 255-262.
Liénardy, A. “A Bibliographical Survey of Mass Deacidification Methods.” Restaurator 12 no. 2 (1991), 75-103.
Luner, P. ,editor. Paper Preservation: Current Issues and Recent Developments. Proceedings of the October 1988 TAPPI Paper Preservation Symposium. Atlanta: Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, 1990.
Murayama, T. “Sixteen Years of pH Surveys on Newly-Acquired Materials.” International Preservation News 28 (December 2002), 27-30.
Porck, H. Mass Deacidification: An Update on Possibility and Limitations. The Commission on Preservation and Access. Washington, D. C.: CLIR Reports pub. 65, 1996.
Sparks,G., editor. A Roundtable on Mass Deacidification: Report on a meeting held September 12-13, 1991 in Andover, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Association of Research Libraries and the Northeast Document Conservation Center. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries, 1992.
Strlic, M., and J. Kolar, J., editors. Aging and Stabilization of Paper. Ljubljana, Slovenia: National and University Library, 2004.
Strlic, M., Kolar, J., D. Kocar, T. DrnovSek, V. Selih, R. Susic,and B. Pihlar. “What is the pH of Alkaline Paper?” E-Preservation Science 1 (2004), 35-47.
Wächter, W., and H. Rötzch, editors. Study on Mass Conservation Techniques for Treatment of Library and Archives Material IFLA Programme on Preservation and Conservation, Regional Centre. Paris: General Information Programme and UNISISR, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, 1989.
Comparing Processes
Brandis, L. “Summary and Evaluation of the Testing Sponsored by the Library of Congress of Books Deacidified by the FMC, Akzo and Wei T’o Mass Deacidification Processes.” Restaurator 15 no. 2 (1994), 109-127.
Brant, A. Mass Deacidification of Paper: A Comparative Study of Existing Processes. Paris: Bibliothéque Nationale, 1992. Translated by Peter Thomas.
Buisson, N. “Les principaux procédés de désacidification de masse: situation en 2004.” International Preservation News 39 (October 2004), 14-19.
Burgess, H., E. Kaminska, and A. Boronyak-Szaplonczy. Evaluation of Commercial Mass Deacidification Processes: AKZO-DEZ, WEI T’O and FMC-MG3 — Phase I, Naturally Aged Papers. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1992.
Hon, D.. “Critical Evaluation of Mass Deacidification Processes for Book Preservation.” In ( S.H. Zeronain and H.L. Needles, Eds.) Historic Textile and Paper Materials II: Conservation and Characterization. Washington: American Chemical Society, 1989, 13-33. (DEZ, Wei T’o, Book Keeper, Langwell) .
Kaminska, E., and H. Burgess. Evaluation of Commercial Mass Deacidification Processes: AKZO-DEZ, WEI T’O and FMC-MG3 — Phase II, New and Artificially Aged Modern Papers. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1994.
Liénardy, A. “Evaluation of Seven Mass Deacidification Treatments.” Restaurator 15 no. 1 (1994), 1-25.
MacInnes, A., and A. Barron. “Spectroscopic Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Mass Deacidification Processes for Paper.” Journal of Materials Chemistry 2 no. 10 (1992), 1049-1056. (DEZ and FMC) .
Ramin, M., H. Andres, A. Blüher, M. Reist, and M. Wälchli, M. “Paper De-acidification, a Comparative Study.” Journal of Paper Conservation 10 no. 3 (2009), 17-25. (Papersave, Bookkeeper, CSC Book Saver) .
Tse, S., S. Guild, A.-L. Dupont, and H. Burgess. Evaluation of Commercial Mass Deacidification Processes: AKZO-DEZ, WEI T’O and FMC-MG3 — Phase III, evaluation of media, bindings and special paper types. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1994.
Liquid-Phase Methods
Cheradame, H. “Some Progress Towards a Multifunctional Mass Deacidification Process.” International Preservation News 48 (August 2009), 5-9.
Français, É., M. Perrut, and A.-C. Brandt. “Désacidification: renforcement de masse des papiers acides et fragilisés en utilisant un fluide supercritique.” La Conservation: une science en evolution. Actes des Troisièmes Journées Internationales d’ Études de l’ ARSAG, Paris, 21-25 Avril 1997. Paris: ARSAG, 1999, 131-140.
Giorgi, R., L. Dei, M. Ceccato, C. Schettino, and P. Baglioni, “Nanotechnologies for Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Paper and Canvas Deacidification.” Langmuir 18 (2002), 8198-8203.
Giorgi, R., C. Bozzi, L. Dei, C. Gabbiani, B. Ninham, and P. Baglioni, “Nanoparticles of Mg(OH)2: Synthesis and Application to Paper Conservation.” Langmuir 21 (2005), 8495-8501.
Ipert, S., A.-L. Dupont, B. Lavédrine, P. Bégin, E. Rousset, and H. Cheradame. “Mass Deacidification of Paper and Books. IV — a Study of Paper Treated with Aminoalkylalkoxysilanes and Their Resistance to Ageing.” Polymer Degradation and Stability 91 (2006), 3448-3455.
Ipert, S., E. Rousset, and H. Cheradame. “Mass Deacidification of Paper and Books III: Study of a Paper Strengthening and Deacidification Process with Amino alkylalkoxysilanes.” Restaurator 26 no. 4 (2005), 250-264.
Rousset, E., S. Ipert, and H. Cheradame. “Mass Deacidification of Paper and Books II: Deacidification in the Liquid Phase Using Aminosilanes.” Restaurator 25 no. (2004), 104-118.
Rakotonirainy, M.S., A.-L. Dupont, B. Lavédrine, S. Ipert, and H. Cheradame. “Mass Deacidification of Paper and Books: V. Fungistatic Properties of Paper Treated with Aminoalkylalkoxysilanes.” Journal of Cultural Heritage 9 (2008), 54-59.
Sequeira, S., C. Casanova, and E. Cabrita. “Deacidification of Paper Using Dispersions of Ca(OH)2 Nanoparticles in Isopropanol. Study of Efficiency.” Journal of Cultural Heritage 7 (2006), 264-272.
Stefanis, E.. and C. Panayiotou. “Study of the Photochemical Stability of Paper Deacidified with Dispersions of Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 Nanoparticles in Alcohols.” Restaurator 29 no. 2 (2008), 125-138.
Bookkeeper Process
Balazic, A., S. Habicht, M. Smodis, J. Kolar, and M. Strlic, M. “Extending the useful life of paper evaluation of the effect of various preservation actions.” In Museum Microclimates: Contributions to the ConfCopenhagenerence, 19-23 November 2007. Edited by T. Padfield, K. Borchersen, and M.C. Christensen. Copenhagen: National Museum of Denmark, 2007, 39-41. [PDF: 308 KB / 3 p.]
Boone, T., L. Kidder, and S. Russick. “Bookkeeper for spray use in single item treatments.” American Institute for Conservation: The Book and Paper Group Annual 17 (1998), 29-43.
Pauk, S. “The Bookkeeper mass deacidification process: some effects on 20th century library material.” The Abbey Newsletter 20 no. 4-5 (1996), 50-53.
Polovka, M., J. Plovková, K. Vizárová, S. Kirschnerová, L. Bieliková, and M. Vrska. “The application of FTIR spectroscopy on characterization of paper samples, modified by Bookkeeper process.” Vibrational Spectroscopy 41 no. 1 (2006), 112-117.
Zumbühl, S., and S. Wuelfert. “Chemical aspects of the Bookkeeper deacidification of cellulosic materials; the influence of surfactants.” Studies in Conservation 46 (2001), 169-180.
CSC-BookSaver Process
Dupont, A., J. Barthez, H. Jerosch, and B. Lavédrine. “Testing CSC Book Saver, a Commercial Deacidification Process.” Restaurator 23 no. 1 (2002), 39-47.
Henniges, U., G. Banik, and A. Potthast. “CSC Book Saver Spraying System in Single Item Conservation.” ICOM-CC Graphic Documents Meeting, Ljubljana 2004, [Proceedings] (2004) 53-54.
Holúbková, S., and M. Jablonský. “The Efficacy of Newsprint Paper Deacidification by Carbonated Magnesium Propylate Dissolved in Heptafluoropropane.” Acta Chimica Slovaka 1 no. 1 (2008), 124-133.
Wagner, B., E. Bulska, and W. Sobucki. “Magnesium Distribution in Paper Subjected to Deacidification Investigated by Means of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy.” Journal of Cultural Heritage 9 (2008), 60-65.
FMC-Lithco Process
McGee, A. “Evaluating and Comparing Mass Deacidification Benefits.” Restaurator 12 no. 2 (1991), 104-109.
Wedinger, R. “The FMC Preservation System: Enhancement and Extension of Useful Life.” Restaurator 14 no. 2 (1993), 102-122.
PaperSave-Battelle Process
Andres, H., A. Blüher, G. Grosenbacher, M. Reist, B. Vogelsanger, and M. Wälchli. “The Papersave Swiss-Process Quality Control and Efficacy.” Restaurator 29 no. 1 (2008), 3-28.
Banik, G. “Technologie de désacidification de masse en Allemagne et contrle de qualité.” Restaurator 26 no. 1 (2005), 63-75.
Coordinatiepunt National Conserveringsbeleid, (1996). Deacidification of Books and Archival Materials with Battelle Process: A Study Carried Out by Order of the National Preservation Office of the Netherlands (CNC). Den Haag: Coordinatiepunt Nationaal Conserveringsbeleid, 1996. In Dutch and English. [PDF: 1.2 MB / 26 p.]
Liers, J. “Mass Deacidification: the Efficacy of the Papersave Process.” PapierRestaurierung: Mitteilungen der IADA 2 (suppl.), @: 2001, 57-62.
Liers, J., and P. Schwerdt. “The Battelle Mass Deacidification Process: Equipment and Technology.” Restaurator 16 no. 1 (1995), 1-9.
Liers, J., J. Wittekind, and C. Theune. “The Papersave Process: a New Mass Deacidification Treatment in the German Library, Leipzig.” In (J. Bridgeland, Ed.) ICOM Committee for Conservation, 11th Triennial Meeting, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1-6 September, 1996. London: James & James, 1996, 533-538.
Schwerdt, P. “The German Mass Deacidification Process: Recent Developments and the Realization at Die Deutsche Bibliothek.” In : ICOM Committee for Conservation 10th Triennial Meeting, Washington D.C., 22-27 August 1993: Preprints. Edited by J. Bridgland, 429-434. Paris, France: International Council of Museums, Committee for Conservation, 1993.
Wittekind, J. “The Battelle Mass Deacidification Process: a new Method for Deacidifying Books and Archival Materials.” Restaurator 15 no. 4 (1994), 189-207.
Vapor-Phase Methods
Cheradame, H., S. Ipert, and E. Rousset. “Mass Deacidification of Paper and Books I: Study of the Limitations of the Gas Phase Processes.” Restaurator 24 no. 4 (2003), 227-239.
Havermans, J. et al. “Mass deacidification of Archival Materials Using Diethyl Zinc.” Restaurator 16 no. 3 (1995), 123-142.
Stroud, J. “The HRHRC Diethyl Zinc Mass Deacidification Project: A Brief Report.” Conservation Administration News 57 (1994), 7-8.
Aqueous Processes
Areal Guerra, R., J. Gibert Vives, J. Dagá Monmany, and J. Fernandez Garrido. “The Effect of Aqueous Solutions of Alkoxypolyethyleneglycols (ALKPG) on the Mechanical Properties of Paper.” Restaurator 19, no. 4 (1999), 187-211.
Pedersoli Jr., J. Evaluation of the Efficiency of Calcium Hydroxide and of Methyl Ethers of Cellulose in a Simultaneous Deacidification-Reinforcement Treatment for Paper Artifacts. University of Helisinki, Department of Polymer Chemistry: 1994. 126 pp.
Vogt, K.-D. “The New Neschen Archive Center in Berlin.” Paper Conservation News 99 (September 2001), 10.
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