Tips so that your book collection doesn't get damaged again 😉
Your book is yellowing?
The paper is dry and wavy?
The cover is off?
Or maybe there are holes in the book because of insects?
The things above certainly make my heart "suck" myself, seeing the books we buy become ugly or even damaged. In fact, it is not uncommon for us to feel at a loss to keep a book physically no longer Healthy again, until finally we chose to just remove it from the shelf.
There is an adage that states “Anyway bad book, there will definitely be benefits.". The worst thing is physically book, as long as the information in it is still intact it will be useful for people who reads it. Even though we might be bored after just reading it once, but books will always be new to others who have never read them. So, The useful value of books is not only when we read and we increase knowledge, but it would be even more useful if the book lend and add insight to others. Therefore, guard The physical nature of the book from damage is important, good for maintaining value information in it or to maintain its aesthetics. And also, increasingly book well maintained, the more useful value it brings.
So, whatever we can do to maintain and care for books?
- First, use an envelope. It's best to use a clear cover, either made of plastic or mica agar cover the book remains visible. Using a cover will protect the book from damage cover while keeping the colors and writing from fading.
- Second, Store books in a place protected from direct sunlight. Besides that, The temperature and humidity of the room should also be taken into account. The ideal temperature for a book storage room is: 22-25 0C with humidity ± 40% – 60%.
- Third, arrange books horizontally (stand). This aims to ensure there is air space between the books, so that the pages of books or one book and another book do not stick together. To be even neater, Collection arrangements can be grouped based on physical size, subject, or cover color (according to individual preferences).
- Fourth, the use of bookends or stand book It is also recommended to keep the book from moving and keeping it upright (not bend).
- Fifth, insert camphor or silica gel at each corner of the shelf if needed. This aims to reduce unpleasant odors that usually arise from certain types of paper. Apart from that, it can also prevent insects that often nest or even eat book pages.
- Sixth, clean books and shelves regularly. The efforts made will be meaningless if the books and shelves are never cleaned. Because, Damage to books can also be caused by dust or other small dirt.
How? Easy is not that effort we can do to protect and care for book collections to avoid damage?
Let's start doing small things this. Because anyway, Big things always start with small things has become a habit.
“A room without book is like a body without a soul” – Cicero. (naf)