Water is the most common cause of damage to library materials. When water damage occurs, rapid response is essential to effectively recover collections. Wet materials begin distorting immediately and are at risk of mold growth. The first steps are to remove standing water, assess damage, and freeze or air dry wet items. Very wet materials should be frozen within 6-8 hours to prevent mold. Partially wet items can be air dried or interleaved with blotting materials. Proper preparation includes assigning responders, prioritizing collections, and having disaster response kits prepared.

1. Disaster Response 101:Recovering water-damaged collectionsA brief overview of Cause, Response, and PreparationMay Day 2010

2. CauseWater is the most common cause of damage to library materials. Sources can range from roof leaks, burst pipes, fire suppression, and flooding.

3. ResponseRapid response is essential for an effective recovery effort.

4. Effects of water damage Paper-based collections begin to distort physically immediately after becoming wet. Books swell; paper cockles; inks and pigments run; coated papers begin to adhere to one another.

5. Effects of Water Damage In addition, there is a risk of a mold outbreak. Once established, mold is extremely difficult to control and eradicate.

6. First stepsIn the event of a water-related emergency :Remove standing water Assess/survey damageFreeze or air dry wet materialsIdentify shelf location when removing items

7. For transport, place wet books separated by freezer paper spine down in uncovered plastic crates - so not to tear out covers when wet.

8. PreventionIf leaks from above are detected, place plastic sheeting over affected stack areas.

9. Stages of WetnessSoakedPartially wet or dampHumid

10. Drying MethodsFreezing Stabilizing to prevent mold growth & provide time to determine a course of action *Freezer located in Book Conservation Lab, PennsyAir drying Interleaving blotters between pages or fanning open with circulating airDehumidificationMaintaining an environment 30-50% relative humidity

11. Care should be taken when handling wet materials as paper becomes extremely fragile and can suffer further damage

12. Very wet or soaked materialsFreeze within 6-8 hours - in particular, books with coated paper text blocks and vellum bindingsStore and separate items with freezer paper

13. Do not try to open books or separate pages!Partially wet/Damp materialsAir dry

14. Air DryingKeep air moving!

15. Partially wet/Damp materialsIf coated papers are separable, interleave with silicone release paper or remay.Oversize books must lie flat—interleave pages with blotter. Change blotter often, as needed.

16. Materials affected by high humidityRelocate affected collections to a more stable environmentInstall dehumidifiers in collections areaStable environmental conditions:55-70 degrees (F)30%-50% relative humidity

17. PreparationAssign responders to emergenciesPrioritize collections :Value Essential recordsStabilityIdentify supplies contained in your disaster response kits

18. Disaster Response Kits

19. Disaster Response Kits contain:Paper towelsSpongesPacking tapeElectrical cordsPlastic apronPolyethylene glovesPencils/notepadsBlotter4ml Plastic sheeting Heavy duty trash bags

20. Plastic wrap

21. Gusseted polyethylene bagsZiplock bags

22. Dustmask

23. ScissorsEvaluate RiskKnow the materials in your collectionsUnderstand the risk factorsBe prepared!