The Impact of Temperature Transitions, Short-term and Seasonal, on the Moisture Content of Library and Archive Collections

FAIN: PR-258893-18

RIT (Rochester, NY 14623-5698)
Jean-Louis Bigourdan (Project Director: June 2017 to September 2022)

A three-year study focused on the impact of temperature changes, short-term and seasonal, on the moisture content of library and archive collections. The results would inform new sustainable preservation and access strategies for both large and small humanities collections.

The Image Permanence Institute is seeking funding for a three-year research project focused on the impact of environmental transitions on moisture content in library and archive collections. The potential for deterioration caused by moisture content exists in storage and access scenarios. This research will strengthen our understanding of the complex interactions between hygroscopic collection materials and their environment in response to temperature changes. Data collected has the potential to 1) determine the storage density necessary to effectively have hygroscopic materials control their moisture content, 2) provide a roadmap for controlling moisture content during periods of dryness and dampness, and 3) create a guide for temperature and relative humidity ranges that avoid mechanical damage during access and use. The results of this project have the potential to inform new sustainable preservation and access strategies for both large and small humanities research collections.