Connecting to Collections Care

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  • 1.  Deodorizers

    Posted 10-24-2024 11:49

    Has anyone used book deodorizers or have one that they recommend? Do they actually work? We are thinking about purchasing this one from Gaylord: 

    https://www.gaylord.com/search?text=deodorizer 



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    Sara Belasco
    Reference Services Librarian, Special Collections
    Center for Jewish History
    New York NY
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  • 2.  RE: Deodorizers

    Posted 10-24-2024 17:43

    Hi Sara,

    As the acting C2C Care community monitor, I'd like to thank you for posting these questions to the community. Attached are quite a few resources that should be helpful, including a C2C webinar recording, and Book Odor poster recently submitted by Bill Minter.  I'm hoping community members will be able to share their own experiences in odor reduction. Although the C2C Care program does not endorse any particular manufacturer or product, members are welcome to discuss their equipment experiences and recommendations. 

    Our lab has used zeolites to reduce odors in archival materials, mainly through Microhamber paper interleaving and enclosures, but we've also experimented with the kitty-litter chamber method. All methods were effective at reducing odor, but not substantially. Microchamber paper interleaving and wrappers will eventually need to be changed out. Another method we've used is airing volumes out in our fume hood. This also required a few (noisy) days for a somewhat noticeable reduction in odor. In all of our attempts, we have never completely reduced the offending odor.

    I'm always suspect of products that have no accompanying specifications or SDS. Gaylord's Book Deodorizer granules look like zeolites, and the material's description "inert, absorbent" leads me to think they are a molecular sieve;  however Gaylord offers nothing to confirm those observations.  Hollinger Metal Edge also offers a similarly anonymous product.

    I hope these resources are helpful:

    Book Odor Poster – Penn State University Libraries

    Responses dealing with musty archives collections – Michelle Hamill                     

    Online community discussion threads dealing with book odors / zeolites:

    Why do old books smell C2C webinar -  https://connectingtocollections.org/odorsrecording/

    Zeolite Molecular Traps and their Use in Preventive Conservation - https://www.conservationresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Zeolite-Molecular-Traps-And-Their-Use-In-Preventative-Conservation.pdf

    Scavenger definition from CCI

    A substance capable of absorbing and holding other substances. Scavengers are used in closed environments to absorb gaseous pollutants from the atmosphere of that environment. Molecular sieves (molecular traps) such as zeolites, and activated charcoal are examples of scavengers.



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    Sharon Fickeissen
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
    Senior Library Conservation Technician
    Hagley Museum & Library
    Wilmington DE
    sfickeissen@hagley.org
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  • 3.  RE: Deodorizers

    Posted 11-05-2024 11:50

    Hi Sara,

    I'd reached out to Gaylord for more information on their book deodorizer and they finally got back to me. Turns out that product is desiccated corn! I'm pasting in the email exchange.

    Dear Sharon,

    I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you!

    We FINALLY heard back from our supplier – see answer below.

    Thank you for your patience,

    Dana Knapp

    Customer Relationship Specialist

    GAYLORD ARCHIVAL​​®

    Preserve Today. Share Tomorrow

    T: 800-448-6160

    F: 800-272-3412

    E: dana.knapp@gaylord.com

    W: Gaylord.com

    From: Cheryl
    Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 8:49 AM
    To: Dana Knapp <Dana.Knapp@gaylord.com

    Subject: RE: Customer Inquiry - Item# 50071 Book Deodorizer

    We have received a response from the supplier. They say it's 100% corn just highly desiccated.

    From: Dana Knapp <Dana.Knapp@gaylord.com>
    Sent: Friday, October 25, 2024 8:59 AM
    To: INQ_Archival <INQ_Archival@Gaylord.com>
    Subject: Customer Inquiry - Item# 50071 Book Deodorizer

    Hi Team,

    Customer wants SDS or MDS on Item# 50071, Book Deodorizer.

    i.e., What are the actual ingredients?

    Can you help?

    Thank you,

    Dana Knapp

    Customer Relationship Specialist

    GAYLORD ARCHIVAL​​®

    Preserve Today. Share Tomorrow

    T: 800-448-6160

    F: 800-272-3412

    E: dana.knapp@gaylord.com

    W: Gaylord.com

    HUBSPOT EMAIL:

    Sharon Fickeissen•Forms

    5:07 PM

    Email: sfickeissen@hagley.org

    First name: Sharon

    Last name: Fickeissen

    First, in a few words, describe your reason for contact:: Product Question

    What can we help you with today?: Product Questions

    What is the product number, name or URL?: Book Deodorizer

    What is your product question?: What are the granules?
    https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Book-&-Pamphlet-Preservation/Repair-Tools-&-Supplies/Other-Tools-&-Supplies/Book-Deodorizer/p/50071

    Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?: Can you provide SDS or proper material specifications on your site?



    ------------------------------
    Sharon Fickeissen
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
    Senior Library Conservation Technician
    Hagley Museum & Library
    Wilmington DE
    sfickeissen@hagley.org
    ------------------------------