Preservation Quiz

Question 1

1.  How many books per year are repaired and preserved in the ZSR library?

•  a.    43•   b.   1500•   c.   5,000•    d.  10,000

Answer #1

b. Approximately 1500 general collection repairs are made each year. Another 200-300 repairs are made to Special Collections materials.

Question 2

2.  What is the proper adhesive for repairing a damaged book spine?

• a.   Scotch or clear mailing tape• b.    methyl cellulose• c.    PVA (polyvinyl adhesive)• d.    barley starch paste

Answer #2

PVA or polyvinyl acetate is widely used inbookbinding and book arts due to itsflexibility, and because it is non-acidic.

Question 3

3.   What is the optimal relative humidity for a library environment?

• a.   25%• b.   45%• c.   60%• d.   75%

Answer #3

b. 45% RH - Very high humidity encourages mold growth and insect infestations. Low humidity causes materials to lose their flexibility. Fluctuations in relative humidity are more damaging than a constant humidity in the middle or low range. Generally, the relative humidity should be between 30-50% with as little variation as possible.

Question 4

 4.    What is a vellum binding?

• a.   parchment paper• b.   aluminum alloy• c.    bamboo bark• d.    animal skin

Answer #4

d. Animal skin- Vellum is a processed animal hide that isthin, smooth, durable.

Question 5

5.   What is bristol board? • a.  book cloth• b.  heavyweight archival paper• c.  A group of men from Bristol, SC who

meet to discuss important issues facing their board

• d.  board made in Bristol,Virginia

Answer #5

Bristol board is a heavyweight paper usedfor drawing, bookbinding, and other twodimensional art forms.

The original bristol board was made inBristol, England and was a pasted boardmade of paper containing rags

Question 6

• True or False?

Books made before 1850 are especially delicate because paper making methods were inferior prior to that time.

Answer #6False- Much of the paper made between1850-1900 contains acidic ingredients that cause severe deterioration. This paper, made from wood pulp, only lasted a short time before it began to deteriorate causing problems today.

Paper made before 1850 was made with very stable ingredients (cotton or linen) and can last for centuries.

Question 7

If you notice a water leak in the library, you should:

a. Quickly locate your boogie boardb. Find a dry place to workc. Immediately notify the Circulation Desk

Answer #7

c- Report any water leaks immediately to the Circulation Desk.

Water damages library materials. If left unattended, mold can grow and destroy our books. The sooner a leak is reported, the sooner library materials can be salvaged.

Question 8

Users should always treat library materials with care because:

1. Some library materials are out of print and hard to replace

2. Let’s face it, they’re old and very sensitive about their age

3. It is important not to disturb the many rare insects that make library materials their home

Answer #8

#1- Some library materials are out of print and hard to replace. Most library materials are intended for long term use by generations of students. Losing or damaging library materials destroys a part of our intellectual heritage.

Question 9

Library patrons should be careful when eating and drinking in the library because:

a. Most of the food and beverages consumed by students are of little nutritional value

b. Food attracts insects and rodentsc. Food and beverages can stain and damage

books and other library materials

Answer #9

#a and b –

Spilling food or beverages on books causes irreparable damage. Food particles can attract insects and rodents that eat and destroy paper and adhesive bindings. Moisture can lead to mold and mildew.

Question 10

Which of the following will prolong the life ofbooks, DVD’s and other library materials?

a. A once-a-year soaking in the USDA’s allowance of Vitamin C

b. High temperature and humidityc. Low temperature and humidity

Answer #10

c – Library materials live much longer in low temperatures(60-70 degrees) and humidity levels. The higher the temperature and humidity, the faster the rate of deterioration.