Mothballs for book storage

A center here at the University of Hawaii has obtained a collection of
papers, newspapers, publications, etc. from Japan.  As the center does
not have a permanent place for the materials yet, they are storing them
and working on them in a part of the old library building on campus.  It
does not have any air conditioning nor humidity control.  There was
recently an outbreak of insects (book worms) on the same floor but not
in the exact area in which these materials are stored.

The people working with the collection are storing the books and other
publications in the containers in which they were shipped from Japan.
Since no one is sure when the center will obtain space for permanent
storage, the workers do not know how long this packing must protect the
books.  They asked if moth balls would harm the books? if moth balls
will give any protection to the books?  Likewise, they cannot safely
pack the books in airtight circumstances because of the threat of mold.
I will pass on to them any posts sent.  Thanks,

James F. Cartwright
University Archives
University of Hawaii

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                   Conservation DistList Instance 8:6
                   Distributed: Sunday, July 10, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-8-6-007
                                  ***