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Drenched Pages: A Primer on Wet Books
Islam El Jaddaoui1,2,3, Kayo Denda4, Hassan Ghazal5,6,7
1Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco.
Biology
|September 4, 2025
Summary
Fungal mold outbreaks in libraries damage collections and pose health risks. This guide helps microbiologists understand mold and prevent contamination in library materials.
Area of Science:
- Mycology and Library Conservation
- Environmental Microbiology
- Public Health and Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Fungal growth (mold) on library materials causes chemical, mechanical, and aesthetic degradation.
- Factors contributing to mold outbreaks include poor library maintenance, HVAC failures, water leaks, and flooding.
- High concentrations of airborne fungal spores are associated with severe respiratory issues and other human health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide microbiologists with foundational knowledge of fungal taxonomy, morphology, and nomenclature.
- To assist librarians in managing and mitigating mold contamination in library collections.
- To address the increasing threat of fungal biodeterioration and health risks due to climate change-induced events.
Main Methods:
- Review of fungal characteristics relevant to library environments.
- Analysis of common causes and contributing factors for mold outbreaks in libraries.
- Development of guidelines for minimizing fungal contamination in library collections.
Main Results:
- Fungi present significant threats to the preservation of library holdings.
- Airborne fungal spores can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans.
- Climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of mold-related issues in libraries.
Conclusions:
- Understanding fungal biology is crucial for effective library material preservation.
- Proactive management and preventative strategies are essential to control mold outbreaks.
- Collaboration between microbiologists and librarians is key to safeguarding collections and ensuring a healthy environment.
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