Investigation of indoor microclimate of historic libraries for preventive conservation of manuscripts. Case Study: Tire Necip Paşa Library, Izmir-Turkey

Abstract

Conservation of library collections requires an interdisciplinary approach. Dealing with the agents of deterioration via curative and preventive conservation methods has become a significant goal with new standards and norms in recent years. Preventive conservation aims indirect physical interventions such as climate control, good housekeeping and pest management. The aim of this study is to assess the degradation potential of indoor climate on valuable manuscripts that date back to 12th century, in a historic library in Tire-İzmir, Turkey. Through the study, first the library, namely Necip Paşa Library was continuously monitored by measurements of thermo-hygrometric parameters for one year. Then, the measured data were evaluated for the risk assessment based on the control classes of ASHRAE Chapter 21 to evaluate the mechanical, chemical and biological degradation risks. Finally, the conservation-oriented measures were proposed in order to keep the manuscripts under the better conditions. Results suggest that introducing a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system to the building should be considered as the last option since natural hygrothermal behavior of the library gives reasonably sufficient evidences to prevent the manuscripts from degradations to some extent. Therefore, passive solutions should be given higher priorities not to disturb environmental past of the historic library.