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Freezing
If a lot of materials need to be frozen, a large freezing facility should be located (commercial, or part of university or lab)
It is best to blast freeze initially--this reduces the formation of large ice crystals. Some freezing facilities have this capability; some do not.
It is best to keep the storage temperature at minus 20 degrees F.
Advantages to Freezing for Paper Materials
- It stabilizes wet materials.
- Books and documents can be frozen indefinitely without harm.
- Freezing prevents further swelling and warping.
- Freezing prevents water-soluble inks and dyes from running.
- Freezing will help eliminate odors.
- Freezing will not kill mold spores but freezing will keep them from multiplying.
Freezing Buys Time for the Organization
- to clean
- to make repairs
- to establish environmental controls
- to make rational decisions about drying options
- to allow the weather to improve
Freezing is not the final process for dealing with wet books. They still must be dried. They can be defrosted a few at a time and then air dried. Or they can be vacuum freeze dried.
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