Preventive conservation of paper-based collections within historic buildings

The need for a wider understanding of the interface between buildings and their uses can be demonstrated by various examples of inappropriate adaptation. The research described in this paper forms part of an inter-disciplinary project to develop a predictive computer model which will simulate the conditions within historic buildings used for library and archive purposes. The project will develop a practical understanding of macro- and micro-environments that have the potential to adversely affect paper-based collections housed within historic buildings. By making use of data collected from various libraries and archive repositories within the British Isles, as well as results from published research, the various mechanisms of deterioration and decay associated with dampness will be assessed for both collections and building fabric. The resulting data and information will be used to compile a database of cause and effect, and utilized in the design, initiation and testing of the predictive model.