14.5 Tips for Recovering Government Materials

Some good tips for recovery of damaged materials include the following. Note that in order to process damaged materials quickly after a disaster, your depository library may want to stock some supplies just in case.

• Label boxes with waterproof markers or plastic tags.
• If items are being moved to a recovery facility, begin with the most water-soaked items.
• If your library has decided to air-dry items, choose the least damaged items first for a faster recovery.
• Mold and mildew can develop on wet materials within 48 hours. If possible, damaged material should be frozen to stop further water damage and mold growth.
• When freezing publications, pack them in vented plastic crates such as milk crates that have holes for air circulation.
• Materials with only minor water damage can be packed in cardboard boxes for shipping.
• Wet microfiche/microfilm and photographic negatives should be placed in clean water and transported to a recovery facility to be air or freeze dried within 48 hours. If they are muddy, rinse them first.
• Compact disks can be rinsed and dried with a sponge or a blow dryer on the “cool” setting.
• If asbestos has contaminated materials, hazardous materials experts should be consulted regarding handling.
• Undamaged publications may have to be removed from the building. Place these materials in stackable containers for easy transportation.
• Keep a list and photos of the materials that have been salvaged, thrown away, or stored. Keep careful records of where materials have been sent, and update the list when materials are moved or returned.