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In addition to the humidity (The silica gel would be quickly overwhelmed and be ineffectual as the book drop is essentially open, not sealed) I think the heat is the biggest danger. If the book drop is metal and gets direct sun the temps will quickly go into the triple digits, also softening hotmelt glues... Remember those old chain gang movies like Cool Hand Luke and their sweat boxes... Same thing. Try sticking a datalogger in to get a true sense of conditions.
Other than emptying out several times a day or closing it down, do you have other options?
Hope this helps.
Peter Verheyen
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Peter D. Verheyen
Preservation & Digital Access Librarian Special Collections Research Center Syracuse University Library Syracuse, NY 13244 315.443.9756 <pdverhey@xxxxxxx> <http://scrc.syr.edu> >>> "Patricia E. Selinger" <patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx> 7/10/2007 10:05 AM >>> Hello everyone,
I received this request this morning and would like to know if you have any solutions. Do you think silica gel would work? The problem, of course, is that the book return is opened periodically and reintroduces more humidity. Obviously we are in the dog days of summer here. I appreciate your suggestions. Patricia -------- Original Message -------- Request for JBC Facilities Services Priority: urgent Location: 1st floor; exterior book return Details: A unique problem has arisen in the last few days due to the high heat and humidity we are currently experiencing. The humidity is extremely high inside the exterior book return bin. I have noticed that the covers of paperback books are curling and I fear that our materials will suffer damage as a result of prolonged (overnight) exposure to such conditions. Please get us something we can keep in the bin to absorb the excess humidity. Thank you -- Patricia Palmer Selinger Head, Preservation Department Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries Box 842033 Richmond, VA 23284-20233 phone: 804.828.8679 (*NEW) fax: 804.828.0151 patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx |