For example, papers composed of wood pulp may turn yellow and brittle in just a short period of time. Some adhesives will dry out and fail, while others may discolor and turn into a sticky mass. Old writing inks may seem to burn through a paper sheet, or, they may have faded and become illegible. Audio tapes become sticky and unplayable. Photographic prints can fade or become yellowed and brittle; and photographic films can emit an odor, or be wavy or spotted. These problems are due in part to internal vice, and they affect all types of collections--those in private homes to those in large institutions. For example, did you know that roughly 33% of all research collections in academic libraries are embrittled to some degree and that many items are damaged beyond the point of safe use?.
There are, of course, a number of other contributors to collections deterioration, which can be labeled "external agents of deterioration." They include: physical handling, theft, vandalism, fire, water, pests, pollutants, light, and uncontrolled temperature and relative humidity (RH).
These are risks that can be reduced or prevented by identifying, monitoring, and controlling them. You may not be able to do away with internal vice, but you can slow the rate of deterioration and/or avert damage by controlling external risks. AIC defines preventive conservation as:.
"The mitigation of deterioration and damage to cultural property through the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures for the following: appropriate environmental conditions; handling and maintenance procedures for storage, exhibition, packing, transport, and use; integrated pest management; emergency preparedness and response; and reformatting/duplication.".
Where do I start?.
Convincing others of the importance of preservation can be a challenging process. Deterioration happens slowly over a long period of time and is not immediately obvious, especially if it is due to internal vice or environmental problems.