Biological deterioration of Library materials

Biological deterioration of library materials is caused by small microorganisms, insects,

and rodents. These microorganisms develop in the library which is in bad condition due to

neglect by irresponsible library staff. The Librarian is fully responsible for whatever is

happening in the library. He can't excuse this blame.

As you know book components like paper, leather, cloth, board, etc are used for

bookbinding. But when there is high humidity, there is moisture and that weakens the

binding. The moisture lets the fungus and other microorganisms grow there. The humidity

and moisture aggravate the condition and accelerate their growth.

Biological deterioration of Library materials can be stopped by timely intervention and

conservation. The attack by these biological agents is because they get favorable

conditions to develop. Every Library has to go through these difficult times created by

these agents of bio-deterioration.

Biological Agents categories

Fungus

The fungus is one of the Biological deterioration of Library materials. It is a sort of little

unwanted plant. They grow anywhere where there is moisture and dirt. It grows

because of humidity and its range should be between 60 to 100%. The fungus grows in its

favorable temperature, i.e. between 10-35c.

You would have seen the fungus near the water tank, dark green, or brown color. It

generally grows where there is water or moisture. in Libraries due to humidity and there

is moisture. This fungus grows on Leather's book covers and consumes cellulose.

The books after the fungus growth get fully damaged. It is in no condition to use. There is

a lot of stains on the pages. The pages are discolored.

Bacteria

Bacteria are also responsible for the biological deterioration of library materials. It also

appears on old books having leather bindings. These bacteria are not visible to the

naked eye. It eats cellulose in paper and thus the book is damaged.

Silverfish

Silverfish is an insect responsible for the biological deterioration of library materials.

The materials used in binding like starch and glue, are the food of silverfish. Dust and Dirt

also attract Silverfish. They live in dark places and stay active at night. Sunlight is

necessary to enter in Library. If it is not there, then insects grow in damp places.

Dust that collects and settles on the books is very bad for the library. These insects grow

in this type of environment. Silverfish is one such creation, which is silver in color and

about 10mm in size. They eat the adhesive and glue used in the binding of the book. They

make holes inside the books. You will be amazed to see that the hole starts from the front cover

and ends on the back cover page.

Cockroaches

It is also an insect, which is responsible for the biological deterioration of Library

materials. Cockroaches are generally seen in the kitchen at home, but they also stay at

the library. They are also enemies of books. They like to damage it. They eat pages of

books and materials of bindings.

Cockroaches generally live in dark and damp places. It may be under the bookshelf,

almirah, cupboards, and gaps in walls. They excrete on the pages and leave a dark stain

So every corner of the libraries should be kept clean and pesticides should be put there

Book worms

Bookworms are one of the agents responsible for the biological deterioration of library

materials. These bookworms also damage the books as they feed on paper and book-binding materials. 

They make a tunnel in the books and boards, which is used for cover--

Book Lice

This is also one of the insects like bookworms, but it is different in look. It is gray and

white in color. All these grow due to moisture and dust, which is settled on books. They

eat the fungus which is grown in books.

Termites

Termites are also called White ants. This can completely eat the library and

turn it into mud. Termites that grow in wet and damp places. They eat wood and

paper. They do severe damage and cannot be repaired.

You can find termites when you will see mud tunnels near the shelf or furniture. They stay

in wall cracks and holes. Termites generally stay in the soil.

Rodents

Rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, etc. They are responsible for the biological

deterioration of library materials. They come from drainage holes and windows. The librarian

should check that there should be no food materials left in the dustbin or anywhere in

the library. These food particles invite them and they damage the library materials. Rats like to tear

pages.

Conclusion

The librarian is responsible for the library. Besides providing library services to users, he

should be checking for any unwanted activities by these biological deterioration elements.

Timely pesticides should be used in libraries. Libraries are heritage and storehouses of

knowledge. Preservation and conservation of the library should be done to safeguard the

library.

Note: Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay