[LM_NET] Library humidity levels

[mchawkins <caughey195@YAHOO.COM>]

I am looking for guidelines for the humidity level in a library.   I shouldn't 
complain in light of those who have survived floods, but somehow this summer, in 
the newly built library facility,  where the shelves didn't arrive until June so 
I've spent the summer emptying boxes and making a beautiful library, the air 
conditioning and de-humidifier conked out (or was turned off ).  The maintenance 
people say they have "solved the problem" (it is cooler)  but the books are 
warping, curling and the pages are rippling like they're sitting on damp towels. 
The posters are sogging off the walls and the bookmarks have all gone limp.  And I 
hope they get rid of the damp carpet smell before kids come back.  It's 100% 
different from when they left, I don't want their first impression to be mildew.

I suggested to the Maintenance person that what was appropriate for a classroom 
might be different for a carpeted library with wooden bookshelves and 30 laptop 
computers.   He only deals in code numbers and percentages and other arcane dials 
and levels.   My principal asked me to find the pertinent information so, of 
course, I am turning to you.  Is there information about the best level of humidity 
for a library?  It's not archival stuff, but the kids seem to like it.

I would appreciate all the help I can get.   Thanks very much!!

 Meg Hawkins  MLS
Librarian
Darby Township School 1-8
Glenolden PA


caughey195@yahoo.com



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