The Wood Shelving Dilemma

Abstract

Wood shelving puts library materials at risk of damage because wood has an acidic nature and contains other chemical components. Although the best solution is not to use wood at all, many libraries find themselves in a dilemma where wood shelving is already in use or the alternative of steel shelving is not aesthetically acceptable. Finding appropriate solutions for minimizing harm is possible and needed, though a complex series of factors are involved. In addition to sealants or paint, a number of simple yet preservationally sound liners are now available for use on shelves. In this article I present some of the latest preservation information on the subject, in conjunction with one library’s solution for mitigating damage from extensive wood shelving.