Thursday, November 6, 2008 There’s more than muck that comes with flood water. But we don’t need to worry about finding any live creepy-crawlies as we unpack the books for repair. Freeze drying not only dries books out but also kills insects. ‘Course the dried-out bug is sent back with the book! Even books thatContinue reading “Freeze-Drying Kills Bugs”
Category Archives: Mold, insects, and other agents of deterioration
Ghosting on 78s
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 While cleaning the records for the Czech Slovak museum, we noticed that upon drying, some of the 78s had some residual “ghosting”. We tried a second wash but we couldn’t diminish the staining. We took a couple of the 78s over to the Audio Visual department to do a test runContinue reading “Ghosting on 78s”
Training Under Helen Alten Continues
Thursday, September 17, 2008 Waking up in our dorm rooms, we went to work nearly immediately, as the lab was only fifty feet away. Caitlin and I began tackling the “George Washington Carver clay mess.” Clay had absorbed water in the flood, slid out of its storage jar and resealed itself, becoming moldy. We neededContinue reading “Training Under Helen Alten Continues”
45s Are Fun!
Thursday, August 21, 2008 After working on the LPs and 78s, the 45s are a breeze. First, there are only three boxes–about 300 to clean. Second, they are small and cute and easy to handle. They are not brittle, like the 78s. They have few labels running, unlike all the Supraphon from the LPs. TheContinue reading “45s Are Fun!”
Mold on 78s
Friday, August 6, 2008 When we washed all of the records, we didn’t only have to worry about the flood goo but also the mold that thrives in damp, warm conditions. The mold can be very harmful if it is inhaled. Because of this, we have to wear respirators and latex gloves at all times toContinue reading “Mold on 78s”
Book Repair Home Again
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 The LP project is close to done. Should finish up tomorrow. Then our volunteer can take a much needed break! I really don’t know how we could have even attempted this project without the use of the Paper Facility. The paper drying rack is perfect. They can do a box atContinue reading “Book Repair Home Again”
Locked Out!
Monday, July 14, 2008 I packed my shoes, flashlight, and face mask in happy anticipation that we would finally be able to get into the Art and Music libraries. Once at the library I spent a little bit of time with staff. We continue to slowly get the preservation basement area back into some semblanceContinue reading “Locked Out!”
Dumbwaiter and Phone Bill
Saturday, July 12, 2008 Our morning newspaper reminded us that the flood happened a month ago today. It seems like yesterday and also months ago. My binding supervisor called letting me know that she has been getting sick everyday she comes to work but thinks she has it figured out. Right near her desk is a littleContinue reading “Dumbwaiter and Phone Bill”
Respirator Fitting
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Because we were working with materials that were covered in mold we had to wear respirators the whole time we worked on the Czech record project. To be most effective, respirators have to be specially fit and tested for each person. This photo illustrates one of the tests they used toContinue reading “Respirator Fitting”
Salvage Begins
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 To our great disappointment we were not able to get into the Czech/Slovak Museum/Library today due to some sort of safety hazard. We spent a lot of time waiting around at the barricade hoping to get in. But no luck. We were, however, able to get into the African American museumContinue reading “Salvage Begins”