Knowledge at Risk: The Brittle Books Problem
Have you ever opened a book and watched the edges of the paper crumble in your hands? This is the brittle books problem. Since the 1850s, most paper has been manufactured through processes that leave an acidic content. The acid gradually breaks down the cellulose fibers of which paper is composed. Over time, especially in conditions of high humidity, high temperature, and polluted air, the paper becomes so brittle that it breaks when folded. |
A Brittle Book: The books that come into the Unit are often in very poor shape. You don't have to do the fold test to know that this one is brittle! We see a wide range of conditions here though, from one page falling out to rotted bindings to the homework the dog chewed up! |
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The Database: When books come into the Unit, we enter bibliographic, condition, and availability data into our Brittle Books database. The Library OPAC, Books in Print, and OCLC are all right there at the computer making the decision process very efficient. |
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Page by Page Collation: Each item must be reviewed physically for completeness (verified against the bibliographic record) and proper order before microfilming or photocopying by leafing through it page by page and checking to see that all contents, including illustrations, are present and noting any irregularities. |
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Preservation Microfilming is a strategy for preserving the contents of brittle books as well as an ongoing national program to ensure the survival of the most significant research resources of the United States. A successful preservation microfilming program requires painstaking production and exacting quality control, following the Research Library Group Preservation Microfilming Handbook.
Inspecting Microfilm: Staff must inspect each frame of film to ensure that each page has been captured and to note any irregularities. A proper inspection includes checking the master negative over a light box for scratches and other defects and using a densitometer to measure the density (opacity) of the film.
