Identification of Infested Paper, Book and Textile Formats

The following is University of Florida Libraries Preservation Bulletin 7.2.

Procedures for Reviewing Library Materials:

Identification of Infested Paper, Book and Textile Formats

Rationale: These procedures have been designed to minimize risk of insect infestation within the Libraries. Programs of examination and identification allow the Libraries to treat infested and suspect materials before they reach the shelves and reduces the possibility of wider infestation. Persons charged with reviewing materials should be familiar with the guidelines, Know the Signs of Insect Infestation.

A. MATERIALS REVIEWED OFF-SITE

These procedures are for materials initially reviewed off-site.

REVIEW PROCEDURES.

1. Examine shelving and each item, looking for signs of insect infestation. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected:

   A. Attempt to capture live insect or insect remains for identification by the Preservation Office.

   B. Place obviously infested items (i.e., those in which insects, their remains, droppings, eggs or tunnels/nests) in a sealed zip-lock bag

2. If no sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, proceed with acquisition, distribution, etc. as normal.

TRANSFER PROCEDURES.

1. An infested collection is any collection in which one or more items is found or suspected to be infested. While insect damage is often localized, infestations are generally widespread throughout the collection in which infestation is found.

   A. Place infested items and any other adjacent items in a box.

   B. Place one handful of moth balls (i.e., naphthalene, an insect repellent), if available, in the box. Items must be wrapped so as to prevent direct contact with moth balls.

   C. Seal the box with packing tape.

   D. Label boxes originating from infested collections:

   "INFESTED. DO NOT OPEN." This material must not enter the libraries under any circumstances before insect eradication.

   E. Notify the Preservation Office of the impending arrival of this material. The Preservation Office will schedule either fumigation or freezing of the materials.

2. Transfer uninfested items as normal.

B. MATERIALS REVIEWED IN-HOUSE

These procedures are for materials initially received through normal acquisition procedures and reviewed in-house.

Whenever possible, the acquiring agent--whether a representative of the Acquisitions Department or a collection curator -- should review materials off-site for signs of infestation, but if this is not possible follow the procedures below:

1. 1. Examine sealed package carefully, looking for signs of insect infestation. (Cf, "Know the Signs of Insect Infestation.")

   A. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, quarantine the package and notify the Preservation Office immediately. Guidelines for quarantine of packages:

   1. Place in a plastic bag if available; then
   2. Place in a box with moth balls (if available); and
   3. Seal the box with packing tape.

   B. If no sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected proceed to open the package.

2. Examine each item within the package, looking for signs of insect infestation.

   A. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected:

3. Attempt to capture live insect or insect remains for identification by the Preservation Office.
4. Place obviously infested items (i.e., those in which insects, their remains, droppings, eggs or tunnels/nests) in a zip-lock bag or padded mailing envelope and seal it.
5. Place infested items and any other items in the same collection in a box. An infested package is any package in which one or more items is found or suspected to be infested. While insect damage is often localized, infestations are generally widespread throughout the collection in which infestation is found.
6. If immediately available, place one handful of moth balls (i.e., naphthalene, an insect repellent), if available, in the box.
7. Seal the box with packing tape.
8. Label boxes of materials from infested packages:

   "INFESTED. DO NOT OPEN."

9. Notify the Preservation Office immediately. The Preservation Office will schedule either fumigation or freezing of the materials/package.

   B. If no sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, proceed with acquisition, distribution, etc. as normal.

C. MATERIALS REVIEWED IN COLLECTIONS, AT SHELVES OR POINT OF CIRCULATION

These procedures are for materials initially reviewed in collections, whether at the shelf or the point of circulation.

1. Examine shelving and items, looking for signs of insect infestation.

   A. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected:

   1. Attempt to capture live insect or insect remains for identification by the Preservation Office.
   2. Place obviously infested items (i.e., those in which insects, their remains, droppings, eggs or tunnels/nests) in a zip-lock bag and seal it. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE INFESTED ITEMS FROM THEIR COLLECTIONS. Removal of infested items may spread the infestation.
   3. Notify the Preservation Office immediately, reporting the exact location and nature of the infestation. The Preservation Office will schedule either fumigation or freezing of the materials.

   B. If no signs of infestation are found, report findings, date and area examined to the Preservation Office.