Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is fundamental to collection care, and is one of the responsibilities of the Preservation and Conservation Department. Heat, relative humidity, and light levels influence the rate of decay of the Library's collections. The monitoring and analysis of environmental data from rooms in which a collection is stored and displayed is essential, as it enables an understanding of the condition of a collection, and the preservation risks. The information is also used to inform buildings managers, so collectively hazards to the collection can be reduced.

The Department has an extensive monitoring system in place in the Old Library which collects data on relative humidity, temperature, and light levels, using a radio telemetry system. Stand-alone data loggers supplement this equipment, and are used in display cases, and to monitor other Library buildings.

A very small percentage of the collection is stored in a climate controlled environment, and this is also monitored to ensure the equipment is operating within the set parameters.

Hand-held equipment is used to spot-check conditions during exhibition installation, to ensure we meet recommended standards for the preservation of the collection. The display cases are designed to provide the appropriate relative humidity levels for the materials on exhibition, and light levels are controlled.

Control of environmental conditions by mechanical or passive means can considerably extend the useful life of materials found in Library collections. See SOLD for further information about environmental issues.