Connecting to Collections Care

Hello! I'm looking for information on packing books for a move. I came across this thread from last year, which has been helpful, but have an additional question.

The university library where I work will be undergoing renovations in 2023. There are around 100,000 materials in the Special Collections print collection that are moving to our climate controlled, high density storage building for approximately two years. To move the items, the plan is to take books from their current shelf locations and place them into pH neutral records boxes, maintaining call number order. Books will remain in these boxes while being stored.

When packing books, there will inevitably be the need to pad the contents of the boxes to protect items during transport and to fill empty space. The question I have is what to use for padding, keeping in mind the number of boxes we'll be filling. Books are in a variety of conditions and types. Many are leather bound, in varying condition levels, and Mylar wraps and cloth ties will be used to protect those with higher levels of existing damage..

For padding options, we're considering crumpled acid free packing paper and/or acid free tissue paper. For some of the most fragile pieces, we've talked about either wrapping them in Tyvek or using a piece of Tyvek as a barrier to protect the leather from abrasion of the padding material. I've heard that acid free tissue is not ideal to use next to leather, because if water gets into the box, tissue can stick to the leather and possibly cause damage-perhaps the risk of water is factored in the overall decision-making process here.

I'm curious how others have handled similar moves, and am interested in feedback on the above packing material ideas.

Many thanks,
Mary

------------------------------
Mary Leverance
Preservation and Conservation Coordinator
University of Arkansas Libraries
Fayetteville AR
mleveran@uark.edu
(479) 575-2535
------------------------------

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books’ surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

An issue of "Tyvek Gosting" has been mentioned in this very list so it might be something to consider...
Besides that, what about inflatable packaging film (bubble bags) to fill empty space and keep books in place? I must admit I have not looked into the quality specifications of the material but it is already used for packaging books from publishers and among the advantages to be considered are the light weight and the flexibility in shape and volume...

------------------------------
Maria (Marilena) Giannakeri
Books and Archives Conservator
University of Tessaly Library and Information Center
Volos, Greece
+30 2421006311
mgiannak@uth.gr
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2022 14:12
From: Jeannie Whited
Subject: Packing books for a move

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

Hi Maria,

Thanks for mentioning the Tyvek ghosting issue--I remember vaguely reading about it but need to refresh my memory.

The bubble bags are something I hadn't thought of yet. I like that suggestion and will have to look into those options. They may be a good way to handle some oversize items as well.

Thanks,
Mary

------------------------------
Mary Leverance
Preservation and Conservation Coordinator
University of Arkansas Libraries
Fayetteville AR
mleveran@uark.edu
(479) 575-2535
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2022 07:50
From: Maria Giannakeri
Subject: Packing books for a move

An issue of "Tyvek Gosting" has been mentioned in this very list so it might be something to consider...
Besides that, what about inflatable packaging film (bubble bags) to fill empty space and keep books in place? I must admit I have not looked into the quality specifications of the material but it is already used for packaging books from publishers and among the advantages to be considered are the light weight and the flexibility in shape and volume...

------------------------------
Maria (Marilena) Giannakeri
Books and Archives Conservator
University of Tessaly Library and Information Center
Volos, Greece
+30 2421006311
mgiannak@uth.gr
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2022 14:12
From: Jeannie Whited
Subject: Packing books for a move

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002


Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

Original Message:
Sent: 2/23/2022 7:50:00 AM
From: Maria Giannakeri
Subject: RE: Packing books for a move

An issue of "Tyvek Gosting" has been mentioned in this very list so it might be something to consider...
Besides that, what about inflatable packaging film (bubble bags) to fill empty space and keep books in place? I must admit I have not looked into the quality specifications of the material but it is already used for packaging books from publishers and among the advantages to be considered are the light weight and the flexibility in shape and volume...

------------------------------
Maria (Marilena) Giannakeri
Books and Archives Conservator
University of Tessaly Library and Information Center
Volos, Greece
+30 2421006311
mgiannak@uth.gr
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2022 14:12
From: Jeannie Whited
Subject: Packing books for a move

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002
------------------------------

Thanks for this information, Renate! I'll be in touch with your team via email.

Mary

------------------------------
Mary Leverance
Preservation and Conservation Coordinator
University of Arkansas Libraries
Fayetteville AR
mleveran@uark.edu
(479) 575-2535
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2022 15:49
From: Renate Mesmer
Subject: Packing books for a move

The Folger Shakespeare Library moved all collections off-site last year due to a multi-year renovation project. We decided against foam or any plastic filling material (for sustainability reasons) and used acid free tissue paper, unbuffered. Tissue paper was less expensive and was easily formed into the shape needed to fill the gaps. Our packers worked with us to figure out how exactly to pack and fill. We did handling training with the packers and came up with great ways to stabilize the individual item and the boxes efficiently and safely. We stabilized books with loose spines or detached boards with tissue wrappers and quick-ties which allowed for the call slips to be scanned while processing and packing. The Folger conservation team would be happy to share some photographs and further information.
Please email conservationgroup@folger.edu.

Renate Mesmer

Head of conservation and Preservation | FolgerShakespeare Library

rmesmer@folger.edu |www.folger.edu

Original Message:
Sent: 2/23/2022 7:50:00 AM
From: Maria Giannakeri
Subject: RE: Packing books for a move

An issue of "Tyvek Gosting" has been mentioned in this very list so it might be something to consider...
Besides that, what about inflatable packaging film (bubble bags) to fill empty space and keep books in place? I must admit I have not looked into the quality specifications of the material but it is already used for packaging books from publishers and among the advantages to be considered are the light weight and the flexibility in shape and volume...

------------------------------
Maria (Marilena) Giannakeri
Books and Archives Conservator
University of Tessaly Library and Information Center
Volos, Greece
+30 2421006311
mgiannak@uth.gr
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2022 14:12
From: Jeannie Whited
Subject: Packing books for a move

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002


Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

Hi Jeannie,

Thanks for your suggestions! I do believe that boxes will be stacked, as you said, for purposes of moving them in a vehicle for about a 10-minute drive. I'm waiting to hear if they'll be stacked during storage also. I like the idea of using smaller archival boxes as spacers.

We're reviewing collections now so we can begin to put the most fragile volumes in enclosures. Which like you said, will be perfect for putting them directly onto the new shelf. Unfortunately, our time frame is tight and so many volumes could use extra attention that we won't be able to give, hence the focus on the most fragile for now. As far as the Tyvek, we generally won't be tying it, but you bring up a good point about ties denting objects. The Tyvek in some boxes would be more like a drop sheet that would cover the spines and foredges so the proposed packing paper wouldn't abrade those areas. Creating as little waste as possible is desirable--hopefully there are certain things we'll be able to reuse later on. I'll look into Tyvek tape; I haven't used it yet but it may be a good solution.

Thanks,
Mary

------------------------------
Mary Leverance
Preservation and Conservation Coordinator
University of Arkansas Libraries
Fayetteville AR
mleveran@uark.edu
(479) 575-2535
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2022 14:12
From: Jeannie Whited
Subject: Packing books for a move

My preference would be to use ethafoam blocks to fill the voids, especially if the boxes may be stacked at any time.  If it was just one or two boxes, and I were moving them myself, and the pieces fairly light, crumpled tissue might work.  But in a bulk move like this, when boxes are likely to be stacked in the transport vehicle (I assume they'll be driven somewhere), and possibly in storage, you'll want the extra rigidity of foam.  I've also used smaller archival boxes as spacers - think old boxes that maybe you don't want to put an object in anymore, but they're still solid and won't offgas. The book wrapping would protect the book from stains or whatever is "wrong" with the old box.

I like the idea of wrapping your leather volumes in Tyvek, particularly the harder sort with more slip to it.  Better yet, do you have time/money to make/buy boxes for at least the most fragile?  (One-Piece Adjustable Book Boxes) These could go directly onto their new shelves, instead of having to unwrap and throw out all that tyvek!  The other issue I have with wrapping is that it typically involves ties, which can can dent into the object due to pressure from the books around it.  You can take out much of that risk by putting 1/8" foam between the books.  You might look into Tyvek tape instead of ties, though it's a product I've only just started using and am still getting a feel for how it holds.


------------------------------
Jeannie Whited
Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chantilly, VA
(703) 572-4002
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone

Hi Martha,

Thanks for the suggestion! The plastazote/ethafoam haven't been top considerations due to cost, along with the number of boxes that will be packed (and need to be packed fairly quickly).

Books will be taken from a shelf and placed into a records box--basically as many books from the shelf that fit into a 15" long box. There will be empty space because books won't be as wide as the box. For example, a book 8" wide will have 4" of empty space between it and the side of the 12" wide box. That gap is what I'm looking to fill with the acid free packing paper I suggested.

I hope that helps explain it better, but if there's anything else I can clarify please let me know!

Thanks,
Mary

------------------------------
Mary Leverance
Preservation and Conservation Coordinator
University of Arkansas Libraries
Fayetteville AR
mleveran@uark.edu
(479) 575-2535
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-18-2022 08:29
From: Martha Singer
Subject: Packing books for a move

I am not a book nor paper Conservator, and I dont play one on tv. I am not sure I understand completely. Have you considered plastazote or ethafoam? It comes in different thicknesses and hardness and it could be the same shape as a book with an even support across your books' surfaces. Maybe I am not understanding your question?





Sent from my iPhone