[Web4lib] CAN LIBRARIES BE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION?

[Matthew J. Simon]

I sympathize with the concerns expressed about contamination in libraries.  As a librarian and as a very active consultant, I have written and advised on Sick (Library Building Syndrome).  Happily, I am not aware of a single, documented instance in which someone has become sick from e.coli or other pathogens that used books or periodicals as an intermediary host. 

Libraries, do however, pose health risks that come from dust, which is generated by paper and mites that live on dust.  This can be controlled by making certain that books on shelves are periodically dusted using an impregnated cloth that helps collect the dust particles and the mites rather than simply moving them around. 

Libraries also pose risks because, paper when exposed to prolonged humidity and air that doesn't circulate can encourage the growth of mold and mildew in concentrations that can pose health risks.  

Mold and mildew are naturally present in most environments and only become problematic if the concentration of spores becomes too great.  When this happens, the spores are readily transported through the HVAC system and can spread throughout the building? 

The key to making certain that this doesn't happen is PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.  This is too often an underappreciated process in cash-strapped organizations where emptying waste paper baskets, pushing a vacuum cleaner and a mop and making certain that there is t-p in the restroom. 

What are basic PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE techniques? 

    • Make certain that all leaks from ceilings, windows, roofs, ventilating systems are promptly attended to.  Standing water is the breeding ground for mold and mildew. 
    • Make certain that air filtration systems in the library HVAC are checked and filters cleaned or replaced at the recommended time (as listed in the systems operator's manual) 
    • Ductwork should be cleaned periodically, and not everytime the library is replace as is the case in most libraries. 
    • Periodically wiping down books with treated clothes will remove spores and dust. 
    • Make certain that air distribution outlets (VAV's if you want to knock the socks off your builiding manager by talking "technical." are operable and the covers are dusted. 
    • If you should discover black mold or mildew, it must be removed immediately, again using treated cloths, or in extreme situations throwing out the infected books or periodicals, or carpeting or furmiture. 
    • Make certain that food is stored in sealed containers and not, unwrapped in your staff member's desk drawers.  This also discourages the invasion of mice, rats, roaches, and other crawlies which ARE real health risks. 
    • COMMON SENSE 



It is realy unfortunate that the nation's ad writers have deliberately created a climate of fear in which disinfect and 99% germ free have become the mantra chanted by many many people.  But there are those who believe the germs are going to get me and open doors with elbows, carry wipes, disinfectants, Purell, etc.and would happily invest in body condoms if they thought they could be protected.  For those who are fearful of "contamination" in libraries, I respectfully suggest that the library invest in some boxes of platic food handlers gloves.  It won't allay their fears, but they may actually believe that they won't get sick in the library if they wear them. 



Matthew Simon