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  • 1.  Moisture meter recommendations?

    Posted 06-27-2022 16:09

    Hi all,

    We would like to purchase a handheld moisture meter to do quick checks of the moisture levels in our below-grade collection spaces/building. I've searched previous posts and other relevant AIC/C2C websites, but can't find anything beyond "a handheld moisture meter is a great tool," so I'm turning to the list!

    I would love to know if you have any recommendations, or anything I should consider as I search for moisture meters. I believe we would be interested in pinless meters, since we don't want to stick anything into our building itself. Thank you for any help!


    Katherine

     

    Katherine Monroe

    (she/her/hers)

    Preservation and Collection Management Section

    National Library of Medicine

    Bethesda, Maryland

     



  • 2.  RE: Moisture meter recommendations?

    Posted 06-28-2022 16:41
    Katherine,

    I assume you would be using this for measuring moisture content of textblocks or collections materials.  I believe the standard model is still the Delmhorst P-2000 & 19-E electrode.  We have had one since 2013 and it is very reliable.  It does have the pins but they can be covered; it is helpful to have them in case you want to take moisture readings of drywall &c after a water incident.

    We regularly take moisture readings at specific locations in McKeldin Library to chart the moisture readings of the collections.  During the humid season we take readings once a week and scale back to once a month during the dry season.


    image.png
    19-E Paper Blade type electrode.

    It would be interesting to see if our colleagues have experience with other models.
    --

    Bryan L. W. Draper
    Special Collections Conservator
    University of Maryland Libraries

    B-0217 McKeldin Library / 7649 Library Lane
    0204H  Hornbake Lab     / 4130 Campus Drive
    College Park, MD 20742

    McKeldin Lab: 301-405-9346
    Hornbake Lab: 301-314-0336



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