Caring for your Oz Books

Keeping your Oz Books healthy

*The worst threats on books are mold & frequent changes in temperatures, which causes chemical reactions that increase the rate of deterioration of paper. Primary cause of damage is acidity. Great ways in which to protect your books against mold and acid damage is to keep your books at moderate temperatures and relative humidity.

*Excessive exposure to light is another hazard. Direct exposure to bright light from any source, but especially sunlight, causes fading and accelerates the chemical reactions that make pages, binding, and dust jackets deteriorate. You should not store your books in basements or attics.

*Always make sure air can circulate around your books, and remove grit & dust frequently. Older books should be dusted carefully, opened, and inspected for mold or signs of deterioration yearly. One option is to use a vacuum on a low suction with the brush attachment, covered by a soft cloth like cheesecloth secured with a rubber band.

*When removing a book from the shelf always push back the books on either side, then grasp the spine between your thumb and fingers and pull the book out. Never remove a book by pulling it out using one finger at the top of the spine.

*Even leaving objects in books such as rubber bands, flowers, paper clips, clippings, book marks, etc. These objects can cause coloration, rips, and may even cause chemical damage.

*Except for large coffee-table books, it is always best to keep your books standing upright. Books should never be packed too tightly on a shelf, also try to leave a few inches of open space behind them to allow air to circulate through them. Exposure to fresh air actually helps in preventing deterioration. So from time to time it is actually good to handle and read your books!

Displaying your Oz Books

*Due to wood, even treated wood, contains natural acids that have affects on paper and may accelerate its deterioration, glass shelves or metal shelves that are powder-coated or coated with baked enamels are better options than using wood shelving.

*But if you like the look of wood shelving, a good option is to line wood shelves with polyester film or heavy acid-free paperboard.

*A book that is on display instead of shelved with other books also needs special care. If the book is displayed open, never force a book opened too wide. Be careful to signs of resistance.

*The book should also have support beneath both sides so that the spine is not under stress, if the book is displayed opened.

*If the top is raised to make the book more readable , there should be support along the bottom edge so the weight of the book is not pulling against its cover.

*Change the pages that are displayed opened frequently so that one page is not exposed to light for long periods.

*A cabinet made with ultraviolet-filtering acrylic glazing instead of plain glass will also help to protect your books on display.

*Bright spotlights should not be used due to the potential damage from heat as well as light.

Caring for your Oz Books Quick list

*Keep books at a constant, moderate temperature and relative humidity

*Dust and inspect books for pests at least annually

*Protect books from exposure to bright light, especially the sun

*Hold books with fingers along the spine

*Keep the pages of the books free of foreign objects

*Shelve books upright with books of similar size on both sides

*Store large or heavy books lying flat

*Protect books from direct contact with wooden shelves

*Never use tape to repair books or covers

*Never oil, or polish bindings

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