Jenn- >> Is there an inexpensive method to combat the mold infestation? If you have visible mold and pages stuck together, your inexpensive options are nil. Dehumidifiers and extra fans ($$$) can probably stop additional mold, but the damage is done and mold will quickly return if the high RH returns. >> How can we determine if these magazines are so damaged they may be beyond the point of no return? Is there some standard gage that we can be directed to? As long as the magazines are legible, they can almost certainly be saved, but the cost can be very high. It becomes a question of how much they are worth to you. >>Is there any way to combat placing potentially moldy items with items that were spared? When the RH and temperature are down, mold goes dormant, so it is safe to store moldy and spared materials in the same area BUT only if the area has good air circulation, a cool temperature (~70 or below) and low RH (below 40%. If you decide to do this, check things regularly. Personally, under the circumstances you describe, I'd trash everything that is even suspect, because mold can spread. In addition, some mold is pretty toxic and some people are especially susceptible to it, so you may be letting yourself open to a lawsuit or ten. Your attorneys will love that news! Good luck, Michael McColgin Conservation Officer Arizona State Archives The ideas expressed above are mine alone. -----Original Message----- From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of jenn anna Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 8:13 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Water damaged and moldy periodicals Presently, we would like to begin inventorying and re boxing duplicates of our organization's magazine to be sent off to an offsite storage facility (approximately 1,000-1,500 duplicates). For many years, the magazines have been stored in a basement that has been plagued by flooding and leaking. Consequently, many of the magazines have suffered from water damage and mold infestation. What I'm wondering is: Is there an inexpensive method to combat the mold infestation? We already have copies in our library, so I'm wondering if the magazines in the basement are even worth repackaging and saving. How can we determine if these magazines are so damaged they may be beyond the point of no return? Is there some standard gage that we can be directed to? Is there any way to combat placing potentially moldy items with items that were spared? We have little money and man power for this project. I am hoping someone can give advice and/or share experiences dealing with this type of project. Thanks in advance! Please feel free to contact me off the listserv. Jennifer Anna Anthology Film Archives [log in to unmask] __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>