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Libraries are enduring institutions responsible for preserving the intellectual, historical, and

cultural heritage of society. While they serve as gateways to knowledge, their collections—
comprising print, non-print, and digital resources—are constantly under threat from

deterioration and decay. Ensuring the longevity and accessibility of these materials is central
to library science, which requires a clear understanding of the factors that cause deterioration,

the routine maintenance practices adopted to counter these effects, and the preservation and

conservation measures that ensure continued usability.

Understanding the Deterioration of Library Documents

The term deterioration refers to the gradual decline in the condition or usability of library
materials due to various internal and external factors. The vulnerability of these materials is

primarily influenced by their composition, storage environment, frequency of handling, and

even the passage of time.

One of the most significant causes is the environmental factor, particularly temperature and

humidity fluctuations. When humidity levels are high, moisture is absorbed by paper and
bindings, making them susceptible to mould growth and biological infestations. But low

humidity can cause brittleness and cracking. Likewise, extreme or inconsistent temperatures

lead to the expansion and contraction of materials, which can damage glue, covers, and
text blocks.

Another destructive agent is light, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Continuous exposure
to natural or fluorescent light fades ink and pigments, yellows paper, and deteriorates leather

bindings. Unlike humans who can seek shade, books and archival materials left under constant
lighting are permanently damaged.

Biological agents, such as insects and rodents, pose a formidable threat. Silverfish,

bookworms, termites, cockroaches, and rodents eat away at pages and bore through book
bindings, folders, and shelving materials. Biological infestation is often a result of poor

sanitation and irregular cleaning routines in storage areas.

Equally damaging are chemical factors, particularly acidity in paper. Books made after the

mid-19th century often contain acidic wood pulp, which weakens the paper, causing it to

become brittle and discolored. This internal degradation, known as acid hydrolysis, is
irreversible unless addressed by timely conservation efforts.

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