Fireproof safes

Does anyone have any experience with the use of fireproof safes for
the storage of books?  We are working with a collector who keeps
most of the valuable items from his 18th century book collection in
fireproof safes in his home.  The size is about 3 1/2 ft.  The
concern is about the relative humidity in the safes.  Instructions
explain that there is water in the walls as part of the fire
prevention design.  This also causes vaporization.  The manufacturer
sends desiccant tablets that need to be regularly replaced and
advises that books and other valuables be kept in zip-loc bags.  We
always advise that people not keep books in baggies because of the
moisture.   Does anyone have information, insights or references
that might help us with this question?

Sherry Byrne
Preservation Librarian
University of Chicago Library
773-702-9313
Fax: 773-702-6623



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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:58
                Distributed: Tuesday, February 19, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-58-012
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