LibraryDamage Atlas
The Library Damage Atlas is a tool used in recognising and classifying damage in library collections according to the UPLA-method. The atlas provides insight into the different types Library Damage Atlas of damage and their causes and may serve as a starting point for the development of a conservation and management plan. A tool for assessing damage Library Damage Atlas The Library Damage Atlas is an initiative of the Flanders Heritage Library (Vlaamse Erfgoedbibliotheek) in collaboration with the Netherlands’ Bureau Metamorfoze. This English edition is the fifth publication in the series Armarium. Publicaties voor erfgoedbibliotheken (Publications Library Damage Atlas for Heritage Libraries) and complements the previously published Archives Damage Atlas. A tool for assessing damage
The Flanders Heritage Library is a network established by six heritage libraries. Through projects and research, it develops and disseminates expertise concerning the preservation, cataloguing and digitisation of the heritage collections held Author by libraries in Flanders and Brussels (Belgium). The network Marijn de Valk organisation receives support from the Flemish government Editors for this work. Sam Capiau Erik van der Doe Metamorfoze is the National Programme for the Preservation Hilde Schalkx of Paper Heritage in the Netherlands and is accommodated within the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, National Library of the Netherlands. It is an initiative by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The purpose of the programme is to engage in the struggle against acidification and other forms of intrinsic decay, such as ink corrosion and copper corrosion. Vlaamse Erfgoedbibliotheek, Antwerp, 2018 Armarium. Publicaties voor erfgoedbibliotheken 5
metamorfoze A CONTENT Introduction - 6 Universal Procedure for Library Assessment - 8 Using the damage atlas - 10 Glossary - 156 Components of a book - 162 Colophon - 164 B
A B C D DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE
1 Dust and surface dirt - 14 9 Warping of book cover and book 12 Dust and surface dirt - 88 21 Mould damage - 144 2 Poor condition of the covering block - 68 13 Harmful tapes and repairs - 94 22 Pest damage - 150 C material - 20 10 Damaged bands and adhesion to 14 Lacunae, tears and creases - 100 3 Red rot - 28 covers - 74 15 Felting - 106 4 Harmful tapes and repairs - 34 11 Adhesion of leaves and 16 Adherence - 112 5 Loose parts - 40 gatherings - 80 17 Acidification of the end leaves - 118 6 Missing parts - 48 18 Acidification of the book block - 124 7 Damaged boards - 54 19 Foxing - 130 8 Damaged fastenings and 20 Ink corrosion and copper furniture - 60 corrosion - 136 D
INTRODUCTION Heritage libraries conserve fascinating sources. the Netherlands’ National Archives (Nationaal In the English translation (Archives Damage libraries throughout the world to continue to They make it possible for anyone to gather Archief van Nederland). Atlas), which was published in 2010, tropical provide the cornerstones for enjoyment, insight knowledge about our past, or to enjoy the types of damage were also included. and innovation – now and in the future. experience of reliving a bygone age. It is a The Library Damage Atlas is a significant aid real challenge to preserve these ancient texts for anyone who is involved in UPLA. It gives a Metamorfoze is the Netherlands’ National Eva Wuyts and historic documents for future generations description of all forms of damage relevant to Programme for the Preservation of Paper Coordinator at the Flanders Heritage Library because these irreplaceable heirlooms developing a conservation and management Heritage and is housed at the Koninklijke Marg van der Burgh are vulnerable. Without care even recent plan. It can be used independently to acquire Bibliotheek, the National Library of the Programme Manager at Metamorfoze publications will not remain in good condition an understanding of the kinds of damage Netherlands. This programme, which is an and will therefore be unable to be consulted. occurring in a library collection. The atlas and initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture UPLA have been compiled so that they can be and Science, provides financial support to Ongoing accessibility to our collective memory used without specialist conservation expertise. heritage institutions in their measures to is assured by a well thought out conservation With its broad user-friendly accessibility we aim combat intrinsic decay through conservation policy. But in order to take appropriate to disseminate knowledge concerning damage and digitisation. Additionally, Metamorfoze measures a good understanding of the issues to library materials and, in addition, create an supports research into paper conservation. is needed. As a Flemish network organisation, awareness of collection care. Without doubt, the Flanders Heritage Library (Vlaamse prevention is better than cure. This publication by the Flanders Heritage Erfgoedbibliotheek) provides managers of Library and Metamorfoze is a fine example heritage libraries with a tool for this: the The atlas is the English translation of the of international collaboration. We not only Universal Procedure for Library Assessment. Schadeatlas Bibliotheken, published in 2014 by exchange expertise and tools between Flanders This is a statistical model for damage the Flanders Heritage Library in collaboration and the Netherlands, but also by means of registration, which is both practical and with the Bureau Metamorfoze, which had this English version we put this wealth of efficient. UPLA has been based on the Universal previously (2007 and 2017) already published a information at the disposal of the international Procedure for Archive Assessment drawn up by Schadeatlas Archieven. community. In doing so we aid heritage
6 7 UNIVERSAL PROCEDURE FOR LIBRARY ASSESSMENT The Library Damage Atlas is a tool used in The study results clearly reveal the areas where undertaking a damage assessment of library conservation is needed. At a policy level they collections according to the Universal Procedure give insight into the amount of conservation for Library Assessment (UPLA), a statistical work required. In addition, the UPLA study model developed in 2013 by the Flanders makes it possible to chart the damage by Heritage Library (Vlaamse Erfgoedbibliotheek). repeating the survey after a few years. In this UPLA is based on the Universal Procedure for way, the accelerated intrinsic decay within the Archive Assessment (UPAA), designed in 1990 collection can be measured. by the Dutch National Archives (Nederlandse Rijksarchiefdienst) together with TNO-Delft. UPLA is suitable both for entire libraries as well as for partial collections. Photos, charters, maps UPLA provides insight into the state and modern information media (cd’s, tapes, and accessibility of library materials for etc.) are excluded from UPLA. Newspapers consultation, based on random sampling. The and loose (archival) materials are, in contrast, two basic principles are the extent of the types included in the study. Whilst in principle only of damage indicated and the degree to which catalogued items are included in the study, the there is a risk of material loss or new or further model can also be applied to collections which damage when books are consulted. are not yet catalogued.
Included within UPLA and in this damage Further information concerning UPLA can be atlas are the most important types of damage found on www.upla-model.be. which can trigger conservation measures. As a result, an UPLA study is ideal for the development or underpinning of a conservation and management plan for a library collection.
8 9 USING THE DAMAGE ATLAS A book is an information medium with material is also part of the construction and carefully EXTENT OF DAMAGE characteristics. Damage can occur for a variety assessed. Next, we assess the damage on the In the second step we look at the extent of the of reasons. Twenty-two types of damage pro- inside: the book block. Biological types of damage and determine whether it is moderate files are described in this atlas, divided into damage can, of course, occur everywhere: on or serious. With each type of damage it is four groups: the book cover, on the component parts of the precisely defined what is considered moderate construction or on the book block. They are the and what serious. Photos help illustrate the A Damage to the book cover: the outside of a result of poor storage conditions. difference. book B Damage to the book construction: a book’s For each of the twenty-two damage categories ACCESSIBILITY opening and closing mechanism the assessment is always carried out in exactly Once damage has been determined and its C Damage to the book block: the actual the same way, in three steps. seriousness established, it can be judged information medium, on parchment or paper whether the book is still able to be consulted. D Biological damage: mould and pest damage TYPE OF DAMAGE Is it probable that new or further damage will The first step is to determine the type of be caused by normal use? In that case the In assessing the damage we scrutinize the damage. This atlas explains how each kind of book can no longer be consulted, irrespective book, starting on the outside and progressing damage can be recognized, what the possible of whether the damage already present is to the inside. Firstly, we examine the book causes are and what the consequences might moderate or serious. cover. Then we open the book to see whether be for the book as a whole. References indicate all the essential components are still attached the relationship with other types of damage. and functioning correctly: the construction. A Detecting a single visual characteristic is book is, after all, inherently a moving object. sufficient to specify a type of damage. Thus, It has to be able to be opened and then not all characteristics need to be applicable closed. This makes certain demands on the simultaneously. construction. Furthermore, a book has to fit well into and be firmly attached to the binding. This
10 11 A DAMAGECOVERBOOK TOTHE book isopened. outside; they are visible before the chapter relate tothis jacket, the jacket. The types ofdamage in this is alsosometimes called the word’s an aesthetic function. The book cover the book block and, in addition, has A book cover preserves andprotects release ofleather dust. has an impact onthe surroundings duetothe very common kind ofdeterioration. Moreover, it damage is dealt with separately because it is a condition ofthe covering material. This type of Red rot is atype ofdamage related to the A 3 material. paper, linen,parchment, leather or adifferent all types ofcovering material, whether it is spine andthe covers. This applies equally to bookbinding, it forms the link between the with the other constructional materials in the But it alsohas afunctional task. Together sober or, alternatively, lavishly decorated. the externalprinciple appearance ofthe book: The material used onthe cover determines in MATERIAL A 2 biological damage by mouldandpests. deficiencies are the breeding grounds for maintenance in alibrary. In addition these quality ofthe storage conditions andregular book block’s edges are an indication ofthe Dust onthe book anddirt cover andonthe A 1 RED ROT OFPOOR CONDITION THE COVERING DUST AND SURFACE DIRT case, the entire book cover is absent. damage if it is consulted. In the most extreme a book vulnerable and increase the chance of which are entirely or partially missing render Each book component has afunction. Parts A 6 board edges. edges ofthe spineare vulnerable, as are the the greatest stress. Butalsothe head andtail the book, where the covering material is under Often this occurs first on the hinge points of Weak covering can tear andbecome loose. A 5 the book construction. executed repairs can initiate damage new to covering material or can become sticky. Poorly Softeners in the adhesive layer attack the be the cause ofserious harm toabook cover. Damaging adhesive tapeandoldrepairs can A 4 MISSING PARTS LOOSE PARTS HARMFUL TAPES AND REPAIRS damage toother books. parts ofthe fastenings andfurniture can cause no longer fulfil this purpose andprotruding are parchment. Damaged or missing fastenings is particularly important whenthe book blocks closed position. This keeps the pages flatand Fastenings retain the book block in asecurely FURNITURE A 8 provide inferior tothe book support block. covering material. If parts are missing, they boards nolonger provide tothe support Boards give the book strength. Damaged A 7 DAMAGED FASTENINGS AND DAMAGED BOARDS A DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER •13
A Dust on the outside of the book cover and on CAUSES the book block’s edges usually indicates poor • Poor storage conditions storage conditions or insufficient cleaning • Insufficient cleaning routine
A1 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Dust and surface dirt A 1 in a library. Insects, pests or birds can cause • Incidents, such as building renovation work contamination in the form of residue produced • Mould attack by gnawing or boring insects, secretion • Pest damage products or body remnants.
Dust and dirt can be loose and easy to remove. SEE ALSO But contamination can also attach itself to • C12 Dust and surface dirt on the book block the materials of the book cover. Dust can hold • D21 Mould damage moisture and thus form a suitable microclimate • D22 Pest damage for moulds. Dust spreads when handling books, and is thereby deposited on clean pages.
A1 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Dust and surface dirt • 15 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Loose dust or surface debris • Dust or surface on the edges of the book contamination attached to A 1 block or the book cover edges, to the book block’s • Dust or surface dirt that edges or to the binding. transfers to the hands, • Dust or loose surface dirt a book pillow or the that can fall into the book environment block • Dust or surface dirt that is • Dust or surface dirt that easy to remove transfers to the hands, a book pillow or the environment • Dust or surface dirt that cannot easily be removed
\ \ 1.1 1.2 Book covers with loose dust on the cover Seriously contaminated book due to a and the top edge catastrophe and mould growth
16 A1 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Dust and surface dirt • 17 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Dust and surface dirt do not Y Y hamper opening and closing 1.3 • Dust or surface dirt hamper 1.5 A 1 of the book. Half-binding in linen where the the opening and closing of the Loose dust on the top edges, • The book can be consulted textile mainly holds the dust book. which can fall into the books when without risk of material loss • Due to the caked dirt or loose opened or new damage. dirt that easily gets scattered, the book cannot be consulted without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 1.4 1.6 Penetration of dirt on the top edges Paper bindings that are contaminated by deeply penetrated dust
18 A1 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Dust and surface dirt • 19 A2 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER |Poor condition ofthe covering material • • • From the nineteenth century onwards, during and the presence ofmetals. by the use ofcertain tannins in its fabrication Leather is acidic andmay befurther acidified them fragile. Paper andlinencan contain acids, making method ofmanufacturing the item. of the covering material which stem from the Internal chemical processes affect the condition breaks intofragments. degradation; it shrinks, loses its structure and Gelatinization is another form ofparchment acids, parchment can become grey andbrittle. and distortion occur. In combination with to high temperatures, irreversible hardening temperature andhumidity. Whensubjected Parchment is extra sensitive tochanges in (the grain) can become loose andpeeloff. hairline cracks andruptures. The upper layer As aresult ofthese factors leather can show fluctuations in temperature andhumidity. the influence oflight, air, air pollution and factors than the unexposed inside; such as susceptible toageingdueenvironmental The covering material ofabook is more I on the corners ofthe book. material is also vulnerable alongthe edges and especially atthe hinges, butthe covering where the covering is under mechanical duress; All these processes are more visible in places patterns thus mimicking marble. visible as embeddeddots or other decorative technique can degrade the leather andare The acidic or basic substances used in this was atechnique often used by bookbinders. (with small drops ofaliquid)leather covers used for its decoration; marbling or splashing Leather in particular is harmed by techniques the covering material stiffer andless durable. production process. These accelerators made certain materials were addedtoaccelerate the the preparation ofskins toproduce parchment, whether made ofpaper, linen or leather. protrude. This occurs in alltypes ofcovering, especially whensharp parts or small nails can cause damage books, toneighbouring and indentations. Metal fastenings andfurniture surface damage such as scratches, abrasions injudicious handling. This involves mechanical n addition, damage is alsocaused by A2 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER |Poor condition of the covering material •21 • • • SEE • • • • Light • • • CAUSES A3 Red rot SEE ALSO A5 Loose parts onthe book cover Torn covering material andtorn outer hinges: cover harmful): Spots anddiscolouration (generally not Injudicious handling Decoration techniques Production methods Aerial oxidation Air pollution Climatic conditions A1 Dust andsurface onthe book dirt
A 2 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Local surface damage to • Damage to the entire surface leather, parchment, linen of leather, parchment, linen A 2 or paper: hair cracks and or paper: hair cracks and splits in the surface grain, splits in the surface grain, scratches, flaking, grayed scratches, flaking, greyed and brittle parchment, and brittle parchment, damaged (blind) embossing damaged (blind) embossing and title emblems, leather and title emblems, leather with chemical damage due with chemical damage due to acidic or basic marbling to acidic or basic marbling • With paper covers: local • With paper covers: general acidification of the wrapper acidification of the wrapper
\ \ 2.1 2.2 Discoloured book spine with local Leather cover with severe mechanical and mechanical surface damage chemical damage
22 A2 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Poor condition of the covering material • 23 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The poor condition of the Y Y covering material does not 2.3 • The poor condition of the 2.5 A 2 hamper the opening and Spine covering made with red- covering hampers opening and Leather with partially released closing of the book. coloured alum tawed skin, slightly closing of the book. surface layer • The book can be consulted damaged and worn • The book cannot be consulted without risk of material loss or without risk of material loss or new damage. new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 2.4 2.6 Leather covering with severe Spines where the parchment is mechanical damage over the entire embrittled surface
24 A2 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Poor condition of the covering material • 25 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE
Y Y 2.7 2.9 A 2 Leather covering that is locally Worn linen spine sprinkled with acid for decoration
NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE Y Y 2.8 2.10 Worn paper spine Spine covered with parchment which has become gelatinized
26 A2 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Poor condition of the covering material • 27 A3 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER |Red rot
degradation via accelerated oxidation. leather. Furthermore heat andlight heighten has adeleterious effect onthe condition of and nowcoming from industry and vehicles, pollution, originally produced by open fires External chemical factors alsoplay arole. Air materials used in production atthat time. the before. period This was duetothe tanning century showsmore red rot than leather from Leather from the second half ofthe nineteenth Red rot is caused by chemical degradation. to powder. also loses its internal flexibility. Finally it turns fibres detach from the surface. Then the leather The decay takes place in different stages. Firstly structure. with red rot degrades andloses its internal brown andred-brown. A leather book cover However, the colour may vary from yellow to often associated with red discolouration. Red rot is aform ofdamage toleather covers • • • SEE Light • oxidation Aerial • pollution Air • • methods Production • CAUSES A2 Poor condition ofthe covering material SEE ALSO A5 Loose parts onthe book cove Torn covering material andtorn outer hinges: cover harmful): Stains anddiscolouration (generally not Fluctuating climatic conditions A1 Dust andsurface onthe book dirt A3 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER |Red rot •29
A 3 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Localized damage to the • Powdering of large parts leather surface of the cover or even of the A 3 • Initial fracturing of the entire leather surface surface grain • The colour changes from • Powdering on the spine or brown to red or becomes along the edges lighter for large parts of the • Reddening or lightening of cover or the entire leather brown colour on the spine or surface along the edges
\ \ 3.1 3.2 Leather cover with localized loose surface Leather covering that has become grain due to red rot completely discoloured and powdery through red rot
30 A3 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Red rot • 31 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Leather powder does not Y Y transfer to the hands and the 3.3 • Leather powder transfers to 3.5 A 3 surrounding area does not Leather cover with localized loose the hands and the surrounding Material loss and tearing of a become dirty. surface grain due to red rot area becomes dirty. leather cover that has suffered local • The leather does not tear. • The leather tears. deterioration by red rot • The poor condition of the • The poor condition of the covering does not hamper the covering hampers the opening opening and closing of the and closing of the book. book. • The book cannot be consulted • The book can be consulted without risk of material loss or without risk of material loss or new damage. new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 3.4 3.6 Head of a leather cover completely Material loss and torn leather affected by red rot cover that has become completely damaged by red rot
32 A3 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Red rot • 33 Tapes and old repairs to the book cover Prudent repairs are reversible and they can be CAUSES are harmful if they react with the material removed without damage. The aesthetic aspect • Repairs with material not suitable for A4 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Harmful tapes and repairs underneath . Adhesive tapes and labels consist of a repair is actually of secondary importance. conservation, for example adhesive tape and of a synthetic carrier and an adhesive layer. Some repairs are unattractive, for example acidic paper A 4 Both can contain softeners. because the colour or material is very different • Repairs of an inappropriate thickness and/ from the surface, but that is not harmful to the or the application technique when compared The adhesive becomes sticky, and migrates book cover. to the nature of the damage or the original into the book covering, causing discolouration material and hardening. The colour often changes from colourless to light yellow to dark brown. SEE Eventually the adhesive layer strips away from • Repairs to the inner hinge: C13 Harmful tapes the carrier. Other glues (especially animal- and repairs to the book block based glue) can also migrate into the book cover and cause damage by hardening and SEE ALSO brown discolouration . • C13 Harmful tapes and repairs to the book block
The tape carrier can be a source of damage if it is made of an acidic material, such as some elastomeric tapes. That causes local acidification of the book cover.
It also happens that repairs can be too thick or do not have the correct flexibility. This creates tension in the original material of the book cover.
A4 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Harmful tapes and repairs • 35 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Harmful repair tapes or • Harmful repair tapes or repairs to the book cover with repairs to the book cover with A 4 a total area of less than 25 a total area of more than 25 cm² (e.g. 5 x 5 cm) cm² (e.g. 5 x 5 cm)
\ \ 4.1 4.2 Leather cover repaired at the head with Harmful repair tapes or repairs to the one piece of adhesive tape book cover with a total area of more than 25 cm² (e.g. 5 x 5 cm)
36 A4 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Harmful tapes and repairs • 37 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Harmful repair tapes and the Y Y repairs do not stick to other 4.3 • Harmful tapes or repairs stick 4.5 A 4 parts of the book or to other Paper cover that has been repaired to other parts of the book or to Repair with a modern adhesive that books. with adhesive tape other books. hampers the opening of the book • Harmful repair tapes and the • Harmful tapes or repairs repairs do not hamper the hamper the opening and opening and closing of the closing of the book. book. • The book cannot be consulted • The book can be consulted without risk of material loss or without risk of material loss or new damage. new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 4.4 4.6 Paper covers that have been Linen book cover with loose spine repaired with large pieces of covering repaired with various types adhesive tape of adhesive tape
38 A4 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Harmful tapes and repairs • 39 If the covering material of the book is CAUSES weakened, it can easily tear. But even • (Injudicious) handling A5 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Loose parts covering material in good condition may also • Incorrect storage be damaged by injudicious handling during A 5 storage, transport or consultation. This damage SEE can occur in all types of covering material: • Loose fastenings: A8 Damaged fastenings and paper, linen, leather, parchment or other furniture materials. • Loose end leaves, waste sheets and spine linings: B10 Damaged bands and adhesion to Damage often occurs first at the hinges or at covers the top of the spine (the endcap). Torn and • Loose covers: B10 Damaged bands and loosened parts are very vulnerable to further adhesion to covers damage since they may easily become snagged • Loose leaves or gatherings: B11 Adhesion of during use. Detached parts of a book can easily leaves and gatherings be mislaid; the damage is then serious. SEE ALSO • A2 Poor condition of the covering material
A5 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Loose parts • 41 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Partially loose parts of the • Completely loose parts of the covering material covering material A 5 • Partially loose turn-in • Completely loose turn-in • Covering material of one • Covering material torn on hinge torn both hinges • Loose endcap on head or tail • Completely loose spine side • Completely loose parts (for • Partially loose parts (e.g. end example, end band or title band or title emblem) emblem)
\ \ 5.1 5.2 Leather spine with loose endcap Linen cover where spine is completely loose
42 A5 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Loose parts • 43 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Loose parts do not hamper the Y Y opening and closing of the 5.3 • Loose parts hamper the 5.5 A 5 book. Paper covers where the spine opening and closing of the Leather book cover with loose spine • The book can be consulted covering is partially loose book. still attached to one hinge without risk of material loss • The book cannot be consulted or new damage. Loose parts without risk of material loss or will not become any further new damage. Loose parts can detached. loosen further.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 5.4 5.6 Parchment cover where the turn-in Loose linen spine cover (in addition, of the covering material is loose (in the covers are loose and there is addition, the pastedown is loose) damage due to adhesive tape)
44 A5 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Loose parts • 45 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE Y Y 5.7 5.9 A 5 Paperback in which the spine is Parchment book cover with partially loose from the lumbecked book loose turn-in block
HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE MODERATE THE DAMAGE HANDLING WILL WORSEN Y THE DAMAGE Y 5.8 5.10 Torn paper wrapper Tears in the linen and parchment spine covering
46 A5 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Loose parts • 47 Each component of a book cover has a CAUSES function. Parts that are completely or partially • Injudicious handling missing make a book vulnerable. They increase • Incorrect storage
A6 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Missing parts A 6 the chance of new or further damage when the • Mould attack book is consulted. This may include the entire • Pest damage spine, the spine inlay, the covering material of the covers, the wrapper, complete covers, end SEE leaves, spine linings and the end bands. In the • Missing boards A7 Damaged boards most extreme case, the whole book cover has • Missing fastenings: A8 Damaged fastenings disappeared and the book block is unprotected. and furniture • Missing bands: B10 Damaged bands and Not all parts are necessarily originally present adhesion to covers with each book. Therefore, it sometimes requires investigation to determine whether SEE ALSO parts have disappeared or may have never • D21 Mould damage been present in the first place. • D22 Pest damage
A6 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Missing parts • 49 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Partially missing covering • Covering material completely material (e.g. endcaps or absent (e.g. spine, spine A 6 part of the spine, covering inlay, covering material of the corners, part of the of the front or back of the wrapper) covers, complete wrapper) • Partially missing parts (e.g • Completely missing parts end bands or covers) (e.g. end bands, spine inlay, covers, entire book cover)
\ \ 6.1 6.2 Leather covers with missing pieces of Leather cover without any covering on covering material on the top of the spine the spine
50 A6 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Missing parts • 51 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The book block is protected: it is Y Y covered and does not protrude. 6.3 • The book block is unprotected: 6.5 A 6 • The missing part does not Cover with small parts of the it is no longer completely Paper book cover with lacunae hamper the opening and parchment covering missing covered or protrudes. along the edges of the front cover closing of the book. • The missing part hampers the • The book can be consulted opening and closing of the without risk of material loss or book. new damage. • The book cannot be consulted without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 6.4 6.6 A linen and a leather cover without Book block without cover a spine
52 A6 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Missing parts • 53 The boards support the book block and have an CAUSES important protective function. Boards are usu- • Injudicious handling ally wood or cardboard, although generally not • Incorrect storage
A7 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged boards A 7 visible when they are covered. Flexible covers • Mould attack do not have boards. • Pest damage
When the boards are made of cardboard the SEE corners and edges are likely to be the first to • Damaged covering material: A2 Poor condition be abraded, making them soft and fluffy. The of the covering material, A3 Red rot thickness, the raw material and the adhesive • Loose turn-in: A5 Loose parts of the book cover technique used determine the durability of the • Missing covers: A6 Missing parts of the book cardboard. Wooden boards can break. If parts cover are weak or missing, damage to the covering • Warped board: B9 Warping of book cover and material and book block will occur quickly. book block • Boards of acidic material: C17 Acidification of the end leaves
SEE ALSO • D21 Mould damage • D22 Pest damage
A7 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged boards • 55 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Indentations or tears in one • Completely softened board or both boards edges or boards A 7 • Locally softened board • Completely split boards edges, boards or corners • Broken boards • Partially split boards • Incomplete or missing boards
\ \ 7.1 7.2 Book covers with damaged cardboard Cover with cardboard boards with a corners missing corner; the remainder is weak
56 A7 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged boards • 57 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The book block is protected: it Y Y remains covered and does not 7.3 • The book block is unprotected: 7.5 A 7 protrude. Soft cardboard corner that is no It is no longer completely Damaged cardboard corner • The damaged boards do not longer covered covered or it protrudes. hamper the opening and • The damaged boards hamper closing of the book. the opening and closing of the • The book can be consulted book. without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 7.4 7.6 Cardboard boards which have Damaged wooden board become completely soft and frayed
58 A7 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged boards • 59 Fastenings is the collective name for all kinds CAUSES of secure closures made from diverse types • Injudicious handling of material. Under furniture we understand • Incorrect storage A8 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged fastenings and furniture A 8 bosses, corner and centre pieces, elongated fittings along the edges of the cover, chains and other elements which are attached to the book cover.
The purpose of these fastenings is to keep the book block shut. This provides greater protection against dust, dirt and pests. In a properly closed book variations in humidity and temperature have less influence on expansion and shrinkage of the book block, or on warping of the book cover. Paper – and especially parchment – remain flatter in a book with fastenings.
Metal fastenings are sensitive to corrosion and oxidation. Leather or textile long strap fastenings can break during handling and storage.
A8 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged fastenings and furniture • 61 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Damaged or broken • Loose fastenings or furniture fastenings or furniture (not • Missing fastenings or A 8 loose) furniture • Weak adhesion of fastenings • Open book block resulting or furniture from missing fastenings • Ill-fitting fastenings or furniture • Corroded metal fastenings or furniture • Loose, protruding parts (e.g. small nails) from metal fastenings or furniture
\ \ 8.1 8.2 Metal fastening which no longer closes A missing clasp because the book block is warped
62 A8 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged fastenings and furniture • 63 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Damaged fastenings or Y Y furniture do not hinder the 8.3 • The fastenings or furniture 8.5 A 8 opening or closing of the book. Broken fastening strap of alum hinder the opening and closing Photo album with loose fastening • The book can be consulted tawed leather of the book. without the risk of material loss • The book cannot be consulted or new or further damage. without the risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 8.4 8.6 Parchment notebook with a flap Book with a loose clasp which is where the fastening strap is missing still present
64 A8 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK COVER | Damaged fastenings and furniture • 65 B 9 WARPING OF BOOK COVER AND B 11 ADHESION OF LEAVES AND The contents of a book are preserved BOOK BLOCK GATHERINGS and protected by the cover. A book cover If the book cover or book block has lost its Under this heading fall damage to the sewing which functions well can be opened original shape, then sometimes the hinges or the glueing. Leaves or gathering can become and closed, just like a box that provides are also no longer straight. The movement of loose due to broken sewing threads or a badly good protection to its contents. A book forcing the opening and closing then causes glued spine. which is consulted is a manipulated damage. object. B 10 DAMAGED BANDS AND ADHESION The three types of damage in this TO COVERS The bands are the backbone of many kinds of DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION chapter are related to holding the B book covers. They form the base on which the contents together. The movement of gatherings are sewn. In judging the condition opening, consulting and then closing B of a book a careful inspection of the state of the book again, occurs principally in the the bands is essential. They often form an spine and in the hinge/joint points. important connection between the book block and the covers. We can make a comparison with the human joint. The gathering and covers are the bones of a book. Damage to the bands and their adhesion to the covers is the equivalent of damaged muscles. In addition, the covering material (the skin of the book) for that matter often contributes to the connection between the book block and the covers.
B DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION • 67 A book is warped when it no longer lies flat on Through use the curvature can, over time, CAUSES the table. Or more seriously: when it can no become flattened and even concave. With a • Construction faults or the use of insufficiently longer stand upright alongside other books on hollowed back the book can no longer function durable materials the shelf. If a substantial number of leaves in as it should. Because of the altered shape the • Injudicious handling the book block have become folded or warped, leaves protrude at the front, creating extra • Fluctuating climatic conditions it is possible that the book cover can no longer pressure on the hinges. • Incorrect storage close. Sometimes the fastenings can no longer • Disasters (water damage, war damage) function as a result. Sometimes the binding method promotes the skewed shape and distortion of books, for SEE Parchment is extremely sensitive to fluctuations example, if a book has no boards. This is not • Mechanically adhered leaves resulting from B9 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Warping of book cover and book block in humidity, resulting in the shrinkage of considered as damage, but this kind of book warping of cover or book block: C16 Adherence parchment covers. A warped book easily does require adapted storage. B 9 gathers dust in its gaping parts. Distortion of the hinged parts almost always causes damage to the construction because the book is forced when being opened or closed.
The spine should have a straight to rounded shape. The curved shape of the spine is dependent on the type of cover and the era when the book was bound. Earlier book covers mostly have straighter backs than nineteenth- century covers. Archival covers are more likely to have straight backs.
B9 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Warping of book cover and book block • 69 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Slight warping of the book • Significant warping of the cover book cover • Slight warping of the book • Significant warping of the block book block • In spite of the warping, the • Because of the warping the book is still able to stand or book can no longer stand or lie between other books on lie correctly between other the shelf. books. B 9
\ \ 9.1 9.2 Parchment covers which are no longer Seriously warped and damaged book completely straight as the result of resulting from a disaster climatic fluctuations
70 B9 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Warping of book cover and book block • 71 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The book block is protected: it Y Y remains covered and does not 9.3 • The book block is unprotected: 9.5 protrude. Books warped by water damage it is no longer completely Book block with damage caused • The warping does not hamper covered or it protrudes. by use the opening and closing of the • The warping hampers the book. opening and closing of the • The book opens without book. resistance and the warping • The book does not open exerts no extra pressure on the without resistance and the construction of the spine. warping creates extra pressure B 9 • The book can be consulted on the spine construction. without the risk of material loss • The book cannot be consulted or new damage. without risk of material loss or SERIOUS new damage. SERIOUS
Y Y 9.4 9.6 Comics which have been warped as Parchment cover where the rounded a result of slipping obliquely back has become concave
72 B9 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Warping of book cover and book block • 73 The bands are the backbone of a book onto CAUSES which the gatherings are sewn. They can be • Construction faults or the use of insufficiently made of straps of leather, strips of parchment, durable materials string, linen bands or gauze. Together with the • (Injudicious) handling end leaves and the spine lining they provide the connection between the book block and the SEE covers. • Torn covering material: A5 Loose parts on the book cover The bands are subject to the greatest strain at • Missing covers: A6 Missing parts from the book the hinges. If the material used is not so strong cover B10 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged bands and adhesion to covers or worn, the hinge is often the first place where the bands break. SEE ALSO B 10 • B11 Adhesion of leaves and gatherings The condition of the bands can only be judged if they are visible because the covering material is damaged or because the hinges are torn. Very occasionally it is possible to look at the bands from the book block between the gatherings.
Not all books have bands. A book block can also be sewn without bands or the leaves can just be glued.
B10 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged bands and adhesion to covers • 75 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Less than half the bands • More than half of the bands of one cover are broken or of one cover are broken or weak at the hinges. weak at the hinges. • Vulnerable bands or tackets • One or two completely • Torn hinges broken off covers (loose from • End leaves partially loose, the book) loose waste sheets or loose • Bands or tackets broken on spine lining the spine • Incomplete or missing bands
or tackets B 10 • Completely loose end leaves, loose waste sheets, loose or missing spine lining
\ \ 10.1 10.2 Cover where two of the five bands are Book cover where all bands are broken broken at the hinge on the front in the hinge on the back and where moreover the bands on the spine are weak
76 B10 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged bands and adhesion to covers • 77 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The weak or broken bands do Y Y not hamper the opening and 10.3 • The weak or broken bands 10.5 closing of the book. Parchment cover with weak and hamper the opening and Modern linen cover construction • There is no risk that the bands damaged tackets closing of the book. where the book block is no longer will break further or that a • There is a chance that the properly attached to the cover cover will become loose. bands break further or that • The book can be consulted covers become detached. without the risk of material loss • The book cannot be consulted or new damage. without risk of material loss or
new damage. B 10
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 10.4 10.6 Book cover with all the bands in the The book block has become hinge broken and the pastedown detached from the cover is loosened, but where the wooden board remains in place thanks to the end band core.
78 B10 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged bands and adhesion to covers • 79 Leaves or gatherings detach due to broken CAUSES sewing, rusted staples, broken tackets or glue • Construction faults or the use of insufficiently failure in the spine. They are then vulnerable to durable materials contamination and mechanical damage. • Injudicious handling
For centuries, gatherings were sewn, often SEE with bands to strengthen the spine. From the • Weak or damaged bands: nineteenth century onwards gatherings were B10 Damaged bands and adhesion to covers also attached using metal staples on a gauze.
B11 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged adhesion of leaves and gatherings After the Second World War, lumbecking became popular; this method relies on holding B 11 loose leaves together with a layer of glue in the spine.
For archival covers and books for daily use (paperbacks, almanacs), the gatherings are also connected directly to the covering material with the help of tackets (twisted strips of parchment, leather or strings).
A somewhat rare binding technique is oversewing. Groups of several loose leaves are bound together utilizing an overhand stitch.
B11 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged adhesion of leaves and gatherings • 81 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Up to five loose leaves in the • More than five loose leaves book block in the book block • Maximum one loose • More than one loose gathering gathering • Sewing locally damaged, • Sewing broken in several weak or worn places (the book block loses • Traces of rust on staples shape and cohesion) (with a book block that is • Adhesion failure (with a stapled onto bands) lumbecked book block)
• Rusty and fragile staples B 11 (with a book block that is stapled onto bands)
\ \ 11.1 11.2 Book in which the sewing of the first A lumbecked book where there is no gathering has become loose longer any adhesion to the glue and all the leaves are loose
82 B11 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged adhesion of leaves and gatherings • 83 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The adhesion problem does Y Y not hamper the opening and 11.3 • The adhesion problem hampers 11.5 closing of the book. Rusted staples that no longer the opening and closing of the Two books each with less than five • The spine of the book block provide effective fastening book. loose leaves retains its cohesion and shape. • The spine of the book block • The book block is protected: loses its cohesion and shape. leaves or gatherings do not • The book block is unprotected: protrude. leaves or gatherings protrude. • There is no risk that the sewing • There is a chance that the
will further loosen or break. sewing will further loosen or B 11 • The book can be consulted break. without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or SERIOUS new damage. SERIOUS Y Y 11.4 11.6 A book block where the sewing Book block where its cohesion is broken between the oversewn is under threat from seriously groups, but where the overhand damaged sewing and damaged stitches of the individual groups bands are intact
84 B11 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK CONSTRUCTION | Damaged adhesion of leaves and gatherings • 85 C DAMAGEBLOCKBOOK TOTHE these processes. conditions can slow downbutnotstop and copper corrosion. Goodstorage stem from acidified paper, ink corrosion or consulted. Forms of intrinsic decay climatic conditions and is notused even whenabook is kept under good a degradation process that takes place A separate problem is intrinsic decay, damage is often spectacular. combination with mouldgrowth. War preservation, pest or water damage in or mechanical damage, inadequate This may include damage through use underestimated as acause ofdamage. Injudicious handling shouldnotbe and changes in climatic conditions. processes andsensitive tomoisture, heat Both materials are subject toageing folded sheets ofparchment or paper. A book block consists ofloose leaves or storage, mouldor pest damage. of causes, such as improper use, incorrect of damage. They can arise through a variety and creases are the most important forms be damaged in many ways. Lacunae, tears The paper or parchment ofthe book block can C 14 and instigate damage. new sticky. Poor repairs cause tension in the paper glue layer penetrate the paper andcan become can cause serious damage. Softeners from the Harmful tapes andoldrepairs tothe book block C 13 attack by moulds andpests. areand dirt an ideal substrate for biological and the regularity oflibrary maintenance. Dust indication ofthe quality ofstorage conditions the result of intensive use. It can alsobean Dust onthe book anddirt block are often C 12 LACUNAE, TEARS AND CREASES HARMFUL TAPES AND REPAIRS DUST AND SURFACE DIRT leaves. the boards, can lead toacidification of the end materials, such as the covering material and end leaves. Also the impact ofthe underlying of the paper can cause acidification of the paper than the book block. The composition therefore usually made ofadifferent, sturdier End leaves have aconstructive function andare C 17 no longer beopened. stick toeach or that complete book blocks can locally, but it is alsopossible that entire pages This is called adherence. A page can bestuck book can sometimes nolonger beseparated. Due tothe effect ofmoisture, the leaves ofa C 16 called felting. be affected. This internal chemical process is organisms. The paper structure itself may also of the paper may beaffected by micro- paper whereby it loses its stiffness. The glueing Moisture or detrimentally mouldwill affect C 15 ACIDIFICATION OF THE ENDLEAVES ADHERENCE FELTING illustrations. These can cause copper corrosion. green), which were used mainly for colouring The same applies tocupric inks (blueand case, the letters literally fall outofthe paper. unstable andlead to ink corrosion. In the worst the iron gall ink in manuscripts can become used. Modern printing ink is usually stable, but To or write print texts and images, ink has been CORROSION C 20 metal particles. often in combination with anacidic material or indicate damp storage conditions in the past, Brown speckles in paper are called foxing. They C 19 rags used in the previous centuries. raw material for paper making, rather than the The cause lies in the introduction ofwoodas a paper book blocks dating back toabout1840. Acidic raw materials are amajor problem with C 18 INK CORROSION AND COPPER FOXING ACIDIFICATION OF THE BOOK BLOCK C DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK •87
C C12 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Dust andsurface dirt clean leaves. books are handled. It transfers via handling to microclimate for moulds. Dust diffuses when retaining moisture andthen forms asuitable block or penetrate into Dustit. is capable of attached tothe parchment or paper ofthe book remove. However contamination can alsobe Dust can anddirt beloose andeasy to products or body remnants. residues ofgnawed material, excretion pollutants in the form ofburrowed waste, a library. Insects, rodents or birds cause conditions or apoor cleaning routine in use, but it can also indicate poor storage Dust in books is usually aresult of intensive • • C16Adherence • • • • • • • D22 D21 Moulddamage A1 Dust andsurface onthe book dirt cover SEE ALSO Pest damage Mould attack Incidents, such as arenovation Poor storage conditions Insufficient cleaning routine CAUSES Pest damage C12 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Dust andsurface •89 dirt
C 12 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Dust or surface dirt clearly • Dust or surface dirt visible along the edges of prominently visible on many the leaves leaves in the book block, in • Dust or surface dirt the gathering folds or in the occasionally visible on leaves spine of the book in the book block or in the • Loose dirt in the spine of gathering folds the book block can become • Dust or surface dirt that is dislodged and fall down or released onto the hands, move around in another way a book pillow or the • Dust or surface dirt that is surroundings transferred to the hands, a book pillow or the surroundings C 12
\ \ 12.1 12.2 Dirt that has penetrated locally in the Completely soiled book block book block
90 C12 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Dust and surface dirt • 91 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Dust and surface dirt are easy Y Y to remove. 12.3 • Dust or surface contamination is 12.5 • Dust and surface dirt do not Dirt that has fallen into the not easy to remove. Dirt between the last leaves of a hamper the opening and gathering fold • Dust or surface contamination book block due to moulds that are closing of the book. hampers the opening and no longer active • The book can be consulted closing of the book. without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 12.4 12.6
Seriously soiled book block Significant amount of loose and C 12 caked dirt in a book block
92 C12 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Dust and surface dirt • 93 C13 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Harmful tapes andrepairs created in the original parchment or paper. not have the proper flexibility. Then tension is It alsohappens that arepair is toothick or does acidification of the paper or parchment. such as somegumtapes. This causes local of damage if it is made ofanacidic material, The carrier ofanadhesive tapecan beasource damage by hardening andbecoming brown. migrate into the paper or parchment and cause glue types, such as animal glue, can also adhesive layer detaches from the carrier. Other to light yellow todark brown. Eventually the The discolouration progresses from colourless paper or parchment, discolours andhardens. The adhesive becomes sticky, migrates into the softeners. and anadhesive layer. Both can contain tapes andlabels consist ofasynthetic carrier parchment onwhich they are used. Adhesive are harmful if they react with the paper or Tapes andoldrepairs tothe book block fact are notharmful topaper or parchment. differs significantly from the substrate, but in unattractive, because the colour or material secondary importance. Some repairs may be the aesthetic sideofarepair is in effect of removed without damage. Furthermore Sound repairs are reversible: they can be C13 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Harmful tapes andrepairs •95 • • • A4 Harmful tapes andrepairs tothe book cover SEE ALSO and the original material application technique relative tothe damage thickness or utilize an inappropriate Repairs that donothave the appropriate acidic paper preservation, for example adhesive tapeor Repairs with material notsuitablefor CAUSES
C 13 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Harmful tapes or repairs to • Harmful tapes or repairs to the book block with a total the book block with a total area of less than 100 cm² area of more than 100 cm² (e.g. 10 x 10 cm) (e.g. 10 x 10 cm) C 13
\ \ 13.1 13.2 Loose leaf in a book block that is secured A leaf that has been injudiciously repaired with a piece of adhesive tape by adhering over it large pieces of transparent paper
96 C13 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Harmful tapes and repairs • 97 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Harmful tapes and repairs do Y Y not stick to other parts of the 13.3 • Harmful tapes or repairs stick to 13.5 book or other leaves. Archival cover in which the first leaf other parts of the book or other Paper cover attached to the first • Harmful tapes and repairs do is repaired with adhesive tape pages. page whereby it no longer opens not hamper the opening and • Harmful tapes or repairs completely due to a repair with closing of the book. hamper the opening and adhesive tape in the hinge • The book can be consulted closing of the book. without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 13.4 13.6
Children’s book that has been Photo album in which the torn, C 13 repaired with wide strips of acidic paper has been repaired in adhesive tape many places with adhesive tape
98 C13 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Harmful tapes and repairs • 99 C14 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Lacunae, tears andcreases natural undulation. production process; parchment always has a damage, but is aconsequence ofthe of the paper that is notrelated tomoisture thereprinting is acharacteristic expansion it shouldbecarefully noted that with relief often results from moisture ingress. However Uneven, corrugated paper or parchment in maps. damage is common for atlases utilizing pasted- to forces resulting in warping. This form of spine. As aresult, the entire cover is subjected or fall into the spinefold, bulking occurs in the When many leaves have beenfolded incorrectly damage. page length, increasing the risk ofmechanical book block duetolarger folds over the entire more easily. A leaf can often protrude from the thicker (bulking). can Dirt then penetrate of damage, butthey can make the book block corners are not in themselves aserious form be damaged in many ways. Worn dog-eared The paper or parchment ofabook block can resultinglacunae. in and pests can affect the parchment or paper, sometimes cut from page. atitle Also moulds plays arole here; for example, provenances are completely. In addition, wilful human action This can even lead toparts becoming detached damage. plates as they are are more vulnerable topaper cause. Special care is required for folding sometimes with adherence as the underlying of injudicious consultation ofthe book, Larger tears andcuts are often the result more tangibleform ofdamage. which give rise to interlocking leaves ,are a relates toslight damage. Coarse frayed edges, due tofolding or loosenedIt usually sewing. frayed edges appear onleaves that protrude the jagged edgeofhandmade paper. Often, This shouldnotbeconfused with deckle edges, Frayed edges are small tears onthe leaf edge. C14 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Lacunae, tears and creases •101 • • C20 Ink corrosion andcopper corrosion • C18 Acidification of the book block • C16Adherence • C15 Felting • C13 Harmful tapes andrepairs tothe book block • C12Dust andsurface onthe book dirt block • • • • • • • D22 D21 Moulddamage B9 Warping ofbook cover andbook block SEE ALSO Pest damage Mould attack Damaged sewing Incorrect storage handling Injudicious CAUSES Pest damage
C 14 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Up to five leaves with tears, • More than five leaves with lacunae, frayed edges, weak tears, lacunae, frayed edges, spots, loose parts or creases weak spots, loose parts or • No text or image loss creases • Text or image loss C 14
\ \ 14.1 14.2 A single tear in a leaf with a plate Numerous tears and severely frayed edges on acidic newspapers
102 C14 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Lacunae, tears and creases • 103 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The tears are not in a place that Y Y is gripped when being handled. 14.3 • The tears are located in a place 14.5 • The tears do not easily become A single torn corner in a book block that is gripped when handling. Book with only two large tears, enlarged. • The tears are easily enlarged. but which are very vulnerable to • The paper or parchment • The paper or parchment becoming enlarged damage does not hamper the damage hampers the opening opening and closing of the and closing of the book. book. • The book cannot be consulted • The book can be consulted without risk of material loss or without risk of material loss or new damage. new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 14.4 14.6
Spine of an atlas with a number of Book block which has suffered C 14 collapsed maps with creases severe fire damage
104 C14 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Lacunae, tears and creases • 105 C15 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Felting the sizing or the cellulose. damage, moulds can alsodeleteriously affect gradually disintegrate. Following moisture may In this swellandshrink. way the fibres paper can dissolve andthe cellulose fibres In the presence ofmoisture, the sizing ofthe and can leave lacunae. handling felted paper, pieces come loose easily of aleaf often appear dilated and frayed. When fibres easily fall apart. In particular the edges The stiffness ofthe paper has andthe dwindled Felted paper feels andwoolly soft (felt-like). • • • • • • D21 Moulddamage C14 SEE ALSO conditions Climatic Poor storage conditions attack Mould (flooding) Moisture CAUSES Lacunae, tears andcreases C15 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK |Felting •107
C 15 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Up to five felted leaves, • More than five felted leaves, either over their complete over their entire surface, surface, or limited to their or limited to their edges or edges or corners corners • No text or image loss • Text or image loss C 15
\ \ 15.1 15.2 Book with a few felted corners of paper Seriously felted paper in a parchment book cover
108 C15 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Felting • 109 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • Paper felting does not hamper Y Y the opening and closing of the 15.3 • The felting hampers the 15.5 book. Book block with incidental felting opening and closing of the Book with a few leaves fragmented • The book can be consulted book. due to felting without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 15.4 15.6
Book block with more than five Book block with extensive damage C 15 leaves with felted edges due to felting
110 C15 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Felting • 111 Adherence causes leaves to stick together. CAUSES Through the action of moisture on paper, • Poor storage conditions constituents used during production, such as • Poor climatic conditions fillers and adhesives, can dissolve. If the book • Mould damage block later dries out, there is a significant • Disasters (water damage, war damage) likelihood that the sheets of paper will stick together. The constituents of parchment can SEE ALSO also cause sticking leaves. • C14 Lacunae, tears and creases • D21 Mould damage An exceptional type of damage is mechanical adhesion. This manifests itself as a large number of leaves interlocking, for example through damage to the edge causing multiple leaves to curl together. War damage can also initiate associated problems, for example where a bullet pierces the book and it seems as though the leaves are stuck together. C16 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Adherence C 16
C16 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Adherence • 113 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Maximum of five leaves • More than five leaves which entirely or partially stuck are entirely or partially stuck together together • No text or image loss • Text or image loss C 16
\ \ 16.1 16.2 Title page which cannot easily be opened Seriously adhered book block resulting because two leaves are stuck together from water damage, dirt and mould
114 C16 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Adherence • 115 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The adherence does not hamper Y Y the opening and closing of the 16.3 • The adherence hampers the 16.5 book. Adherence of a few leaves, opening and closing of the Two adhered leaves in a modern • The book can be consulted rendering the text difficult to read book. paper book block without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without the risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 16.4 16.6
Mechanical adhesion resulting from Numerous adhered leaves resulting C 16 being pierced by a bullet from water damage, rendering the contents partially illegible
116 C16 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Adherence • 117 Acidified end leaves are less strong and tear CAUSES more swiftly against the hinges. Acidification of • Intrinsic ageing processes the end leaves can result from two causes. The • Use of raw materials containing lignin or paper used can become acidified because of its alum-rosin sizing constituents. (For an explanation of this cause • Boards containing lignin (wood, cardboard) see C18 Acidification of the book block.) • Poor climatic conditions • Air pollution The paper can also become acidified through the impact of acidic boards or a turn-in of SEE acidified leather to which the end leaves are • Torn hinges: B10 Damaged bands and adhesion attached. Boards are mostly cardboard or wood to covers but their quality can be variable. Both wooden • Brown discolouration in the form of small and cardboard boards can transmit acidification spots: C19 Foxing to the book block.
In the past, cardboard was produced by the SEE ALSO bookbinder himself out of surplus materials • C14 Lacunae, tears and creases from the bindery. Originally the basic material • C18 Acidification of the book block DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the end leaves was rag paper. But after the introduction of C17 C 17 wood pulp for paper production the boards were often made from acidic material. This can result in the acidification of the end leaves. Special acid-free cardboard has only been in existence for a few decades.
C17 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the end leaves • 119 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Initial discolouration of • Advanced discolouration of pastedowns or flyleaves pastedowns or flyleaves • Paper has a brittle feel but • Odour ranging from vanilla does not break when to acetic acid handled • Paper feels brittle to the • No text or image loss touch and breaks on • Strong hinge handling • Text or image loss • Weak or torn hinge C 17
\ \ 17.1 17.2 Brown discolouration on the first page Pastedown that is seriously acidified resulting from an acidic board by the impact of an acidic board and moisture
120 C17 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the end leaves • 121 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The acidification of the end Y Y leaves does not hamper the 17.3 • The acidification of the end 17.5 opening and closing of the End leaves, which are acidic, have papers hampers the opening The woody content of the end book. also caused discolouration to the and closing of the book. paper has resulted in acid induced • The book can be consulted first page of the text block • The book cannot be consulted degradation leading to tearing of without risk of material loss or without the risk of material loss the hinge new damage. or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 17.4 17.6
End leaf which has been completely The woody content of the end C 17 weakened by acidification leaf has resulted in acid induced damage
122 C17 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the end leaves • 123 A typical feature of acidic paper is the odour: Subsequently, in the mid-nineteenth century, CAUSES from vanilla to acetic acid. This is accompanied alum-rosin size was often applied. This • Intrinsic ageing processes by discolouration of the paper from cream/ additive is also a contributory factor in the • Use of raw materials with lignin or yellow to dark brown. The discolouration often acidification of paper. Studies have shown that alum-rosin size starts along the edges of the paper. In an the acidic nature is most severe in paper from • Poor climatic conditions advanced stage there is total discolouration. the period between 1870 and 1945. • Air pollution Seriously acidic paper is brittle and breaks easily when handled. The extent of the acidic Sheets of transparent paper, used to protect SEE nature can be measured with a pH-pen, in prints, are often acidic. This can be seen with • Brown discolouration in the form of small combination with the hand fold number. browning and sometimes, too, with foxing. The spots: C19 Foxing paper has been made transparent by a vigorous Acidic paper can occur as a result of the milling of the fibres, in combination with acids. SEE ALSO composition of the material. Originally paper That stimulates internal degradation. • C14 Lacunae, tears and creases was made from rags. In principle, this kind of • C17 Acidification of the end leaves paper does not become acidified. The internal acidic nature of paper gives rise to intrinsic decay. It is a process that is ongoing, From about 1840 wood pulp was the main raw even when a book is kept in good climatic material constituent in paper-making. Wood circumstances and is not consulted. Poor C18 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the book block pulp contains lignin and that causes intrinsic storage conditions can accelerate the process. decay of paper. Nowadays, the lignin can be C 18 removed from the paper pulp, but originally that was not the case.
C18 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the book block • 125 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Initial discolouration of the • Considerable discolouration paper in the book block of the paper in the book • Brittle paper that does not block break when handled • Odour of vanilla or acetic • No text or image loss acid • Brittle paper that breaks when handled • Text or image loss C 18
\ \ 18.1 18.2 Newspaper with preliminary yellowing Seriously acidic newspaper where the along the edges caused by the acidic paper has become embrittled and breaks nature of the paper when handled
126 C18 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the book block • 127 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The acidic nature of the paper Y Y in the book block does not 18.3 • The acidification of the paper 18.5 hamper the opening and Acidic transparent paper in a book in the book block hampers the Book block where the edges closing of the book. of prints opening and closing of the fragment when leafing through • The book can be consulted book. without risk of material loss or • The book cannot be consulted new damage. without risk of material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 18.4 18.6
Book showing all the characteristics Seriously acidic book block where C 18 of seriously acidic paper, except that the leaves disintegrate with the paper is not yet very embrittled minimum handling and can still be handled
128 C18 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Acidification of the book block • 129 Foxing is a collective name for various types CAUSES of discolouration. The speckling can be found • Intrinsic ageing processes over the entire surface of a leaf or be limited in • Metal particles in the paper area. Often these degenerative processes begin • Acidic paper at the edges. The speckling can range from a • Moisture millimetre to very large spots. • Mould attack • Poor storage conditions The spots may be different colours, from pale yellow to light brown to black. Sometimes SEE only one page may contain foxing, whilst the • Speckling by moulds: D21 Mould damage preceding and following pages appear to be free from this foxing. The attack occurs mainly SEE ALSO in paper, less in parchment. • C17 Acidification of the end leaves • C18 Acidification of the book block The cause of foxing is not entirely understood It is assumed that it is a form of attack by micro-organisms, which develop in an acidic environment in the presence of moisture. C19 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Foxing Foxing often occurs where metal particles, C 19 stemming from the production, remain in the paper. The spots form due to chemical reactions between these particles, the paper and the air. Some printing inks appear to affect the development of foxing.
Foxing does not worsen with use of the item. Books with foxing can therefore be consulted.
C19 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Foxing • 131 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Light speckling, often • Spotting to an extent where starting along the edges of there is an almost even paper darkening of the paper • Speckling on a few leaves in • Spotting on most of the the book block pages of the book block • No text or image loss • Text or image loss C 19
\ \ 19.1 19.2 Print with transparent paper, both harmed Book block where the text sections are by foxing severely browned
132 C19 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Foxing • 133 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN THE DAMAGE • Paper affected by foxing can Y always be handled, regardless 19.3 • Not applicable. Foxing does not of the degree of discolouration. Book edge showing foxing affect the handling of the paper or book and does not lead to material loss or new damage.
SERIOUS
Y 19.4
Book block made with woody paper C 19 showing foxing
134 C19 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Foxing • 135 Ink corrosion and copper corrosion can occur Ink corrosion is the manifestation of ink CAUSES in texts written with iron gall inks and inks instability where the ink’s principal components • Intrinsic ageing processes containing copper. Modern printing inks do not are iron sulphate and gall nut extract. The • Composition of copper or iron gall ink cause this damage. Although parchment can iron sulphate causes a chemical process that • Poor climatic conditions be affected by ink and copper corrosion, the degrades the paper. In addition the blurring damage occurs most frequently with paper. Ink of some types of iron gall ink is due to its SEE ALSO corrosion is serious when at least five leaves are composition. The blurring is an irreversible • C14 Lacunae, tears and creases affected to a greater or lesser extent. process: however, faded text is sometimes rendered more legible under UV light. The first signs of ink corrosion are seepage of the ink outside the written or set lines. Ink Copper corrosion has analogous origins. It corrosion goes hand in hand with discolouration occurs with copper-containing inks (blue and of the ink. The discolouration extends from green) used in illustrations and maps. The light brown to almost black. Fluorescent (UV) discolouration resulting from copper corrosion light indicates if a material is sensitive to ink ranges from light green to black. Similarly, with corrosion, demonstrated by the paper glowing copper corrosion, parts of the paper can become around the text. At this early stage there is no brittle and fall out of the paper at an advanced indication of damage. stage. C20 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Ink corrosion and copper corrosion At a later stage ink penetration is demonstrated Ink corrosion and copper corrosion are forms of C 20 by text appearing on the back of the leaf. There intrinsic decay. These are degradation processes is also browning perceptible outside the text. At which can be slowed down when a text is an advanced stage, fractures occur in the paper kept under good climatic conditions and is not at the places where the ink lines run. Finally, consulted. Poor storage conditions can speed up perforations can occur as the text literally falls ink and copper corrosion. out of the paper.
136 C20 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Ink corrosion and copper corrosion • 137
MODERATE SERIOUS
• Up to five leaves with greater • More than five leaves with or lesser damage to paper greater or lesser damage or parchment (penetration, to paper or parchment seepage, fractures or (penetration, seepage, lacunae) fractures and lacunae) • No text or image loss • Text or image loss • Discolouration of the text • Discolouration of the text ink from brown to very dark ink from brown to very dark brown to black brown to black • Discolouration of the green • Discolouration of the green in prints of light and bright in illustrations of light and green to grey-green to bright green to grey-green to brown brown • Seepage of the ink • Seepage of the ink • Text or ink discolouration • Text or discolouration visible visible on the back of the on the back of the leaf leaf C 20
\ \ 20.1 20.2 Early signs of ink corrosion in a Early signs of ink corrosion with manuscript, with penetration on penetration throughout the entire a few leaves book block
138 C20 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Ink corrosion and copper corrosion • 139
NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING MODERATE HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The ink or copper corrosion Y Y does not hamper the opening 20.3 • The ink or copper corrosion 20.5 and closing of the book. Early signs of copper corrosion in hampers the opening and Ink corrosion in the frames of some • There is no occurrence of new the green sections of a map closing of the book. leaves of a book block fracture lines when consulting (front and back) • New fracture lines occur when the book. consulting the book. • The book can be consulted • The book cannot be consulted without risk of material loss or without risk of material loss or new damage. new damage.
SERIOUS SERIOUS
Y Y 20.4 20.6
Ink corrosion in all leaves of a Manuscript with severe ink C 20 book block corrosion in many leaves: the letters are falling out of the parchment
140 C20 DAMAGE TO THE BOOK BLOCK | Ink corrosion and copper corrosion • 141 D BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE safely given. safely taken, may the all-clear signal be any corrective measures have been after testing has beencarried outand pests are still active or present. Only rectified andwhether the moulds or if the cause ofthe damage has been determined out find itisto important When biological damage is the cause ofthis kind ofdamage. cleaning. In addition adisaster can be maintenance or alack ofregular for the preservation ofbooks, overdue space that is nottechnically suitable of poor storage conditions, such as a Mould andpest damage are the result of pests. doors facilitate andwindows, the penetration in astorage facility, such as badly closing are often food for rodents. Construction defects substrate for insects, andfurthermore insects insects. Mould growth is alsoanutritional high humidity andadirty environment attract Storage conditions such as high temperature, DAMAGE PEST D22 also moulds active in dry conditions. fluctuation is short-lived. However, there are be instigated, even whenthe relative humidity humidity becomes toohigh, mouldgrowth will conditions togerminate. If the ambient relative all times: allthey require are the right climatic moulds. Mould spores are latently present at parchment are good substrates for some Like dust paper, anddirt, leather and DAMAGED21 MOULD D BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE •143
D D21 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Mould damage • • • fallen toaprescribed safe value. to grow, even after the relative humidity has the surface is affected, they can easily continue thrive best if the paper is slightly acidic.Once Many paper moulds are surface moulds and thrive in dry conditions. than 60%,although there are alsomoulds that A favourable relative humidity: usually higher to the moulds, but is usually higher than 24 °C. A favourable temperature. This varies according paper, leather, parchment or sizing in paper. The presence ofasubstrate, such as dust, are: mould colonies. Conditions conducive tothis in afixed location, spores can develop into Traces ofmoulds are present everywhere. Once breakdown ofthe cellulose in the paper. and loose parts. In the case offelting there is a the digestion ofthe paper, resulting in lacunae various colours. Moulds eventually result in mould forms mouldthreads visible as fluff in spots often overlap. More active andmature discolouration, mostly in pastel tones. The Mould attack is recognizable by spots and in the vicinity.in measures required toprotect the health ofthose in combating the problem and the identifying living conditions are. This information helps determined what type it is andwhat its specific is active. With anactive mould it can be possible tocheck whether adetected mould in conjunction with asuitablesubstrate, it is be harmful tohumans. Usingaswab specimen Moulds andthe substances that they secrete can • • • • • • • • Paper damage: C14 SEE Pest damage Poor climatic conditions Poor storage conditions Poor cleaning routine CAUSES C12 Dust andsurface onthe book dirt block A1 Dust andsurface onthe book dirt cover SEE ALSO Brown speckled stains in the paper: C19 C15 Felting D21 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Lacunae, tears andcreases; Mould damage • 145 Foxing
D 21 MODERATE SERIOUS
• Small mould spots on the • The material used for the book cover or in the book cover or more than five block, often in places where leaves of the book block are dust is present affected and weakened to a • Up to five leaves of the book greater or lesser extent block are affected • Moulds clearly visible on the • Small discolouration on the cover or in the book block, in cover or in the book block patches larger than fluff or in due to mould a different form
\ \ 21.1 21.2 Head edge of a book with dust and mould Books affected by advanced mould growth D 21
146 D21 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Mould damage • 147 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The mould has been tested and Y Y is not active. 21.3 • The mould has not yet been 21.4 • The mould has left no harmful A swab specimen with a suitable tested. Stains in various colours due to metabolic residues. substrate gives information about • The mould appears to be active mould growth in the paper • The mould does not hamper the mould activity after testing. the opening and closing of the • The mould has left harmful book. metabolic residues. • The book can be consulted • The mould hampers the without risk of material loss or opening and closing of the new damage. book. • The book cannot be consulted without risk of material loss or new damage. SERIOUS Y 21.5 Book with fluffy, active mould growth D 21
148 D21 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Mould damage • 149 The presence of pests can be recognized by In case of doubt about the presence of pests, CAUSES gnawing damage, drill holes, excrement and an investigation must always be carried out. • Overdue maintenance remains of dead creatures. Pest damage falls For example, using traps, we can investigate • Poor cleaning routine into two categories: damage by insects and whether insects are still active. Determining • Poor storage conditions damage by rodents, such as mice and rats. the specific species of pests is important in • Poor climatic storage conditions combating them. • Mould attack Conditions in which insects can exist are the presence of food (paper, wood, sizing), SEE sufficient oxygen, an increased temperature • Paper damage: C14 Lacunae, tears and creases, and a heightened relative humidity. C15 Felting Furthermore, some insects also thrive in drier surroundings, like the firebrat. SEE ALSO • A1 Dust and surface dirt on the book cover Insects are by nature photophobic and prefer to • C12 Dust and surface dirt on the book block live in chinks, cracks and crevices. The larvae of • D21 Mould damage some insects, like the woodworm, will eat their way through a book. Insects with the greatest incidence in libraries are the dust louse, the fur moth, the clothing moth, the brown house moth, the woodworm, the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the silverfish, the grey silverfish, the firebrat, the fur beetle, the larder beetle, the old house borer and the common carpet beetle. In turn, insects themselves are food for mice and rats.
BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Pest damage
D22 D 22
D22 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Pest damage • 151 MODERATE SERIOUS
• A few small boreholes or • Extensive material damage: other damage visible on the boring holes, material loss cover of the book cover • Up to five leaves of the book • More than five leaves of the block are weakened and book block are damaged and damaged or discoloured weakened to a greater or lesser extent
\ \ 22.1 22.2 Damage by woodworm in a paper Rodent damage and excrement book block contamination by rats or mice in a paper book block D 22
152 D22 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Pest damage • 153 NO ISSUES WITH HANDLING HANDLING WILL WORSEN MODERATE THE DAMAGE • The presence of the pests has Y Y been investigated and they are 22.3 • The presence of the pests has 22.4 no longer present or active. An insect trap with the appropriate not yet been investigated. Damage caused by woodworm to a • The pests have left no harmful bait provides information about the • The pests appear to remain wooden cover with leather covering metabolic products or other activity of the insects being sought present after investigation. material residues. • The pests have left harmful • The pest damage does not metabolic substances or other hamper the opening and residue. closing of the book. • The pest damage hampers the • The book can be consulted opening and closing of the without risk of material loss or book. new damage. • The book cannot be consulted without the risk of material loss or new damage. SERIOUS Y 22.5 Attack on a paper book block by silverfish D 22
154 D22 BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE | Pest damage • 155 GLOSSARY ACIDIFICATION BANDS COPPER CORROSION (OR GREEN CORROSION) Acidification of paper by internal factors (such Transversally placed element integrated into Damage caused by copper-containing as raw materials) or by external influences the sewing, which often forms the connection pigments in green or blue ink. The ink (such as the environment). This weakens the between text block and cover. becomes visible on the back of the sheet and internal structure of the paper. eventually even burns through the paper. (CARD)BOARD ALUM-ROSIN SIZING Material with a composition similar to paper COVERING MATERIAL Technique for the production of paper used but with a greater thickness and stiffness. Supple material with which the spine and since the beginning of the nineteenth century. (Card)board often has a layered structure. covers are wrapped, either entirely or partially. The high acidity of the resin results in a When there are no stiff boards and the covers relatively swift acidification of the paper. BOARD are supple, the covering is called wrapper. Material that imparts stiffness to the covers of ALUM TAWED SKIN (LEATHER) a binding. COVERS Leather prepared by means of tawing with Flat, more or less rigid surfaces that are alum. The colour is white or pale yellow to BOOK BLOCK attached to the front and back of a book grey. Folded leaves ordered in gatherings or block and which hinge along the spine thus assembly of loose leaves, including attached protecting the book block. ANIMAL BASED GLUE (OR HOT GLUE) or inserted elements, which are all joined by Collagen-based adhesive, an adhesive-forming means of stitching, staples or glue. DUST-JACKET protein that is an important part of animal Separate wrapper of supple material, tissue. It is obtained by heating skin and bones CELLULOSE usually paper, folded around a book for in watery fluids. Long organic molecules extracted from the cell extra protection and usually showing some wall and the woody parts of plants. It is the decoration. principal raw material for paper and (card) board.
156 157 EDGE OF THE BOOK BLOCK FELTING GALL NUT EXTRACT HINGE (INSIDE) /JOINT (OUTSIDE) LEATHER OXIDATION Side of the book block where it has been cut, Specific damage whereby the internal structure Extraction of gall nuts, which together with Composition of elements that connect the Animal skin made resistant to decay by Chemical process in which a compound is usually cut flush. Normally, a book has three of the paper is attacked resulting in loss of iron sulphate is the main ingredient of iron gall covers to the book block and make it possible tanning. During preparatory treatment, the formed with oxygen. Organic substances such edges: the head (top), the tail (bottom) and the stiffness. This kind of felting is caused by ink. Gall nuts are outgrowths of plant leaves for them to hinge. The outer part of this structure of the skin fibres remains unchanged, as paper, leather and parchment degrade via front edge (opposite the spine). the influence of moisture, mould or varying caused by insects burying their eggs in the mechanism is called joint and the inner hinge. thus retaining properties such as flexibility, this process. Oxidation is accelerated by heat, climatic conditions on both glue and cellulose leaf. thickness and opacity. To be distinguished from water and air. END BAND fibres. INK CORROSION alum tawed skin. Structure at head and tail of the book block GATHERING Damage caused by the acidic properties of iron PAPER for decoration or as reinforcement. One can FLUORESCENCE One or more folded sheets put into each other gall ink. The lines or letters eat slowly through LIGNIN Thin and supple layer of material consisting distinguish the head band from the tail band. Phenomenon where an object under the in such a way that there is one single spine the paper and can eventually even become Chemical substance that occurs in the cell wall mainly of felted plant fibers. Paper is formed influence of light begins to emit light itself (of fold (or gathering fold) through which this detached from the body of the paper. of certain plants. Lignin is one of the causes of by draining a suspension of paper fibres on a END LEAVES a different colour). Moulds and ink corrosion assembly can be sewn. acidification of paper that is made from wood sieve. One or more leaves of paper or other flexible will emit light in various shades under UV INTRINSIC DECAY pulp. material added to the book block, the outer light. GRAIN Ongoing degradation process, even when an PARCHMENT one of which is usually pasted to the inside of Surface structure of the hair side of leather, item is stored under good climatic conditions. LUMBECKING Animal skin made resistant to decay. The a cover, and is called pastedown, whereas the FOXING characterised by natural irregularities. A form of binding where the spine side of the treatment changes the structure of the other, free leaves are called flyleaves. Speckles, usually light brown to black, which IRON SULPHATE book block is cut flush and the loose sheets are skin fibres and gives the parchment its can be found all over a sheet of paper. HAND FOLD NUMBER Iron salt that together with gall nut extract is glued or pasted to each other. characteristic properties: a minimal thickness, ENDCAP Test method for measuring the strength the main ingredient of iron gall ink. a degree of transparency and a light colour. Edge of the spine covering, over head and FURNITURE of paper, wherein a corner with a three MECHANICAL ADHESION tail of the book block. One can distinguish the Elements made of metal or another hard centimetre fold length is folded several times. LEAF Torn and frayed parts of an object which have PH VALUE headcap from the tail cap. material which are attached to the binding, The brittleness of the paper is indicated by Piece of thin and flexible material, usually become stuck together. Level of acidity, ranging from 1 (high) to 14 such as bosses, centre and corner pieces, the number of times the corner can be folded paper but also vellum and sometimes fabric, (low). We consider a value of 7 as pH neutral. FASTENINGS elongated fittings along the edges of the before it breaks. almost always rectangular en normally in the MECHANICAL DAMAGE Mechanism to keep a book closed, such as ties covers, and chains. Clasps (or components of size of the book block of which it forms a part. Tearing, folding or missing parts (gaps) due to and clasps. them) are not considered as furniture. use, improper storage or misfortune.
158 159 RED ROT SPINE LINING TURN-IN Form of damage to leather covers often Piece of flexible material (such as paper, fabric Parts of the covering material that are folded associated with red discolouration. The leather and vellum), often consisting of different over the edges of the boards and cover the degrades and loses its internal structure. It pieces, that imparts a certain degree of adjacent parts of the inside. often pulverizes. rigidity to the spine, sewn or pasted under the spine covering. It strengthens the connection WASTE SHEET SEWING between book block and cover. Wide strip of parchment or paper sewn with Assembly of threads that connect the gathering the outer end-paper gathering. on the spine, resulting in a book block. SWAB Surface examination for the presence of active WOOD GRIND (OR WOOD PULP) SOFTENERS moulds. A sample is taken from the surface Raw material for paper in the period after Substances which make synthetic materials with a sterile cotton swab and then deposited 1840. Wood grind contains lignin and if it is not elastic. Softeners are gradually released on a suitable culture surface for several days removed from the paper pulp, the paper can from the material into which they have been after which the activity can be evaluated. acidify. worked. TACKET WRAPPER SPINE A twisted strip of parchment or leather, or a Piece of flexible material (no boards) forming Part of the book block where the sheets are piece of cord, the ends of which are closely the binding of a book. connected. wound around each other and thereby fastened; the tacket is used to attach the spine SPINE INLAY of a wrapper or binding to the sewing structure Thin piece of (card)board stuck on the inside or to form the sewing structure. of the spine covering and not attached to the spine of the book block, as is the case with a ‘hollow back’.
160 161 COMPONENTS OF A BOOK c a d h c b a
l a g d i b e a b b e k c h
j
c f
g f
I II III IV 1 Covering material 8 Gathering 1 Wrapper 1 Backboard 1 Band 2 Bookbinding 9 Sewing structure 2 Tacket 2 Furniture 2 Spine lining 3 Book block 10 Waste sheet 3 Long strap fastening 3 End band 3 Spine 4 Pastedown (end leaf) 11 Board 4 Top edge 5 Spine inlay 12 Flyleaf (end leaf) 5 Clasp (fastening) 6 Turn-in 6 Tail edge 7 Endcap 7 Front board 8 Front edge
162 163 COLOPHON Author With thanks to Marijn de Valk Marinus Bierens, Tanja de Boer, Jaap van den Bovenkamp, Editors Leen Breyne, Gerrit de Bruin, Marg van der Burgh, Melvyn Collier, Sam Capiau Pierre Delsaerdt, Guy De Witte, Fred Duivenvoorde, Stefaan Franco, Erik van der Doe Liesbeth van der Geest, Serafien Hulpiau, Ted Indeweij Gerlings, Hilde Schalkx Heidi Keereman, Imke Neels, Sylvia Rietbergen, Final editing Jan Storm van Leeuwen, Ellen Storms, Dorrit Van Camp, David Coppoolse Ludo Vandamme, Marleen Vandenreyt, Elke Van Herck, Susanna De Schepper Erna Van Looveren, Iris Verschoor, Lieve Watteeuw Photography Ivo Wennekes Belgisch-Nederlands Boekbandengenootschap Diagrams Seminary Library, Bruges Liesbeth Labeur Ruusbroec Institute Library, University of Antwerp Coordination Public Library - Historical Collections, Bruges Eva Wuyts National Archives, The Hague Design Zeeland Archives, Middelburg Studio Marise Knegtmans, Zeeland Library, Middelburg Amsterdam Various private collectors Translation Valerie Carroll-Willmott © Vlaamse Erfgoedbibliotheek 2018. All rights reserved. Production Artoos ISBN 978-90-8228071-5 Print run ISSN 1782-1789 2000 D/2018/12377/2 Paper NUR 615 Condat matt 1.1, 150 grs/m3 53520-1709-1005
164 metamorfoze LibraryDamage Atlas
The Library Damage Atlas is a tool used in recognising and classifying damage in library collections according to the UPLA-method. The atlas provides insight into the different types Library Damage Atlas of damage and their causes and may serve as a starting point for the development of a conservation and management plan. A tool for assessing damage