Mold spores are constantly in the air and on every surface in our environment. Only when a surface is suitable as a food and production source will mold activate and start accelerating its life cycle. Mold becomes visible when it blooms or enters its hyphal stage. Hyphae can be any color--ranging from white, orange, purple, blue, brown, and black. Most mold appears in a round, bloom formation.
The predominant mold found in US libraries is Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Cladospoium herbarum (and some penicillims). These are often velvety and powdery in texture with regular or semi-regular growth patterns.
Certain types of molds fluoresce under UV light and under magnification have strings of hyphae with fruiting bodies.
Mold is tricky to identify. When in doubt, contact preservation to help identify if a collection item has mold or not.
Keep collection areas as cold and dry as possible. Try to keep areas around 70F with a relative humidity below 55%.
Maintain good air circulation and air exchanges. Do not place any furniture up against air exchange vents and check in with facilities about replacing filters on time.
Maintain a regular cleaning/dusting of shelves as dust attracts mold spores.
Contact preservation and library facilities immediately if you find mold in any of the library buildings.
Regularly monitor incoming acquisitions for evidence of mold.
Identify extent of affected materials--including bookends and other stacks equipment. Conservation staff can help assist in determining whether the mold is active or inactive.
Identify the source of the moisture with the help of facilities and immediately reduce the humidity in the area. Increase the air circulation--checking the HVAC system and using portable fans to move the air around.
Isolate the items or area, depending on the scope of the problem. If it is a few books, place them in a plastic bag and seal them. If it is an area, close the area to patrons and staff and start the remediation process.
Conservation staff cannot kill mold. Conservation staff can render mold dormant and clean surface mold, but once the mold enters a healthy environment again (high heat and humidity) it will re-activate and start to grow again. For this reason, circulating items that start growing mold should be withdrawn from the collection. It is important to still contact conservation for regular checks of the library for a period of time after.
Mold can cause allergic reactions overtime if employees are not careful. Adult-onset allergies to mold are a cumulative condition so keep minimal contact with mold at all times. Even mold rendered dormant or even effectively killed can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. There are no regulated permissible exposure limits for mold under EPA, OSHA, and FL DOH guidelines.
If mold is found on a collection item, seal it in a plastic bag immediately and contact conservation.
If mold is found in a storage space or room, do not allow employees to enter the room without proper masking and gloves. Employees caring for moldy items or storage areas should wear personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, lab overcoats, even goggles if sensitive) and should only be in contact with mold for one hour a day in areas where good ventilation and low humidity is taking place.
Again, contact conservation for assistance if a mold outbreak has occurred.
Employees managing moldy situations should immediately remove their clothing and launder their clothes when they get home from work.
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