Preserving the quality of your book collections necessitates understanding the factors contributing to damage and decay. Addressing these issues proactively can prolong the lifespan of your book collection.

Here are some of the proper handling protocols  

1. Wash your hands before handling books to prevent transferring oils, dirt, and other contaminants onto the pages.
2. Handle books with clean, dry hands to avoid staining or damaging the pages.
3. Use bookmarks or acid-free paper slips to mark your place instead of folding down corners or using sticky notes, which can damage the pages.
4. Avoid placing open books face down, as this can damage the spine and pages.
5. Support the book properly when reading or carrying it to prevent stress on the spine.
6. Store books upright on shelves, ideally with bookends to keep them from leaning and causing damage.
7. Keep books away from direct sunlight and extremes in temperature and humidity, as these can accelerate deterioration.
8. Use protective covers or sleeves for valuable or fragile books to prevent damage from dust, moisture, and handling.
9. Handle rare or delicate books with extra care, using book cradles or supports when necessary to prevent stress on the spine or bindings.
10. Regularly inspect your book collection for signs of damage or deterioration, and address any issues promptly to prevent further harm.

Storage requirements for books are critical due to their composition, which makes them susceptible to environmental factors. Here are key points to consider:

1. Light Exposure: Limit exposure to daylight and fluorescent lighting, as high levels of UV radiation can cause irreversible damage.
2. Location: Avoid storing books in basements or attics to prevent damage from fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.
3. Temperature and Humidity: Maintain stable conditions; hot, dry environments can make paper and leather brittle, while warm, damp conditions can lead to mold growth and pest infestations.
4. Shelving: Opt for powder-coated shelving for large collections and ensure books stand vertically with firm support to prevent spine deformation.
5. Air Circulation: Leave space behind shelved books for air circulation and store taller volumes or those with wide spines flat to prevent damage.
6. Stacking: Avoid stacking more than 2-3 volumes on top of each other and use protective pads between them.
7. Individual Boxes: Rare, fragile, or damaged books should be stored in acid- and lignin-free boxes to protect them.
8. Wrapping: Avoid non-archival plastic wrapping; instead, use custom boxes or archival-quality tissue to pad excess space.

Following these guidelines helps preserve the integrity of book collections and prevents deterioration over time.

Happy preserving!

Other references:

Library of Congress. (n.d.). Storing books. Retrieved from https://guides.loc.gov/preserving-your-books/storing

Gaylord. (n.d.). How to handle, store, and repair book collections. Gaylord.com. Retrieved from https://info.gaylord.com/resources/caring-for-book-collections