How To Handle and Store Rare Books

May 7, 2021 | Articles, Collectors' Guides, Featured, Tips for Collectors

 

Senior Specialist Adam Douglas

One of the questions rare booksellers get asked a lot is what are the best methods for storing and handling rare books. From climate-controlled vaults to the ubiquitous white gloves that we often see on our screens, the handling of works on paper is misrepresented and over-complicated in popular culture, and this has given rise to the idea that specialist training and environments are needed to house a rare book collection. While it’s certainly true that some items of extreme fragility require specialist environments and care, most books can, with care, be safely stored in ordinary homes. Adam Douglas, Senior Rare Book Specialist at Peter Harrington, shares his guide on how to properly handle and store rare books.

 

Handling Rare Books

One of the first things we often tell people is that is no need for white gloves when handling books, no matter how rare they are. Wearing gloves reduces tactility and actually increases the possibility of damage to the book. Clean dry hands are all you need. Don’t be tempted to lick your fingers to turn a page.

Don’t break the book. With any book handbound in leather, one potential weakness is the joint (the point at which the cover bends when it is opened), which can be easily damaged if you flip open the front cover while the book lies flat on a desk. Pick the book up in one hand and open it gently with the other, supporting the weight of the cover with your fingers.

 

Handling a larger book

To open a larger book, keep the book closed and lower its spine gently onto a suitable clean, forgiving surface – specialist book cushions can be bought, and we keep these in our shops for handling rare books. Keeping the book upright with one hand, lower one cover gently until it is resting on the surface (now 90 degrees from the perpendicular). Keeping the book block (the bulk of the book excluding its binding) upright, with the page edges uppermost, lower the other cover until both covers are resting flat. Now the pages can be opened outwards carefully to the desired page without danger of breaking the spine or joints.

Storing Rare Books

Books are best stored upright on shelves. Larger books can be stacked sideways, but not so high that they put undue pressure on the books at the bottom of the pile.
Books with metal furniture (studs, bosses, clasps) have to be stored carefully, usually separately from other books.

A single layer of transparent polyester film is an effective way to protect printed paper dust jackets, and we use acetate covers of this kind on many of our books. Do not encase books entirely in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and promote mould.

Temperature/humidity are important factors in book storage. Site bookshelves away from sources of direct heat (e.g. radiators or vents) and air conditioning units. A steady temperature is best, and books generally prefer cooler conditions – ideally 16º-19ºC (60º-66ºF). Homes are typically warmer than this and a range of 19º-21ºC (66º-70ºF) is practical for most people and still an acceptable temperature for books. Relative humidity should be as stable as possible, ideally at 50% – very damp or very dry environments should be avoided.

Things to Avoid

Light – Direct sunlight falling on books through ordinary window glass will fade spines and potentially raise the local temperature. If it is impossible to place bookshelves away from direct sunlight, a UV filter film can be applied to window panes. (We use this in our shops). Bookshelves with doors help prevent light affecting books.

Water – Water damage is disastrous for books, so any pipes or water sources near bookshelves should be checked.

Smoke – Books are good at retaining smells, so wood-burning stoves and fireplaces in a library are not the best idea. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes likewise, though some traditionalists like the smell.

Fire – Properly shelved books are surprisingly resistant to burning; however, the spines of bindings can be scorched irreparably by fire. Aside from the usual precautions against household fires, individual bespoke cases for your books add an extra layer of protection. These are called solander cases, and can be made by a bookbinder. Many of our more fragile items in stock will be housed in a solander.

Dust – Store your books on clean shelves and move them occasionally to prevent the accumulation of dust. A soft brush can be used to clean dust from the top edges, but be careful not to brush dirt down in between the leaves. Regular dusting helps deter insects that eat books. Doors on bookshelves also help minimize dust.

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