Arsenio Sanchez

In the case of the Academy of fine arts of San Fernando, books are packaged under vacuum and bags were injected with nitrogen, a system that eliminates insects and not harm the cellulose or leather books. The use of inert nitrogen or argon gas has already been used to eliminate about 20 species of insect enemies of the libraries. Nitrogen, although slower than the argon gas, has a lethal effect is more economical to carry out disinfection treatments, hence it is usually most widely used. In the case of termites, a technique that has given good results is the use of a chemical product, called fenoxycarb, causing workers to become soldiers, so there are no nobody that perform the tasks of seeking food, end up fighting among themselves and self-destruct. Another technique used by scientists in agriculture or forestry for pest control is in control insect pests through their parasites. However, expose Mireya Manfrini and Claudio Sosa, in the case of libraries is a limited procedure, since the parasites of insects that attack the paper only reduced the number of harmful insects, so books continue to suffer deterioration of the survivors.

Finally, Arsenio Sanchez recommends following a series of general guidelines for the conservation of works, but always within the specific policies of each institution and the type of works which owns. In this sense, he stressed that cleanliness is essential, always carefully, avoiding bleach or commercial detergents. If any book with mildew is discovered it is necessary to isolate it from the rest, dry it and review the contiguous copies, since they will probably also be contaminated. In case of detecting volumes damaged by insects, it will have to carefully examine the area if it is of a plague or a copy isolated and notify a specialist arrived the case. With regard to the lighting, books, engravings or exposed to direct sunlight or fluorescent lights drawings should never be.

Control of the humidity and the heat is also important, rooms should be aerated to prevent the formation of condensation or microclimates that can favour the development of mildew. If you must repair any issue, should not be used zeal, but tail of binding or self-adhesive tapes of proven stability. The correct placement of the books on the shelves is also very important, avoiding as far as possible locate different size books consecutively, or way too tight. If it’s loose documents such as magazines, it is recommended to keep them inside cardboard boxes, preferably not acidic, although by its high price may be other less stable materials provided that they should be replaced periodically. As for readers, must realise that their collaboration, while respecting the rules of use of the works, is essential to their conservation.