Managing Dust in Academic Libraries
-
Ejiwoye Oluwole Rasaki
,
Thomas A. Ogunmodede
Abstract
The study investigates dust management at the Albert Ilemobade library, The Federal University of Technology Akure. Dust deposition and accumulation poses a major challenge for the university library as all the units, sections, and divisions are affected. Dust not only adversely affects all materials, equipment, and facilities including books, audiovisual collections, and computers, but also constitutes a health hazard to library personnel and users. Major sources of dust include visitor activities and infiltration through openings like windows and doors. Dust mats, special computer enclosures, dusters, dust blowers, and respiratory masks were made available for dust protection and management in the library. The library lacked equipment like High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters and dust collection, and suppressions systems. Lack of awareness and training, inadequate funding, and lack of equipment were identified as the challenges to dust management in the library.
Zusammenfassung
Die Studie untersucht den Umgang mit Staub in der Albert Ilemobade Bibliothek an der Federal University of Technology Akure. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Staubablagerungen und -ansammlungen eine kritische Herausforderung in der Universitätsbibliothek darstellen, da alle Einheiten, Abteilungen und Bereiche von Staub betroffen sind. Außerdem waren alle Materialien, Geräte und Einrichtungen, einschließlich Bücher, audiovisuelle Sammlungen und Computer, von Staub betroffen. Es wurde festgestellt, dass Staub ein Gesundheitsrisiko für das Bibliothekspersonal und die Benutzer darstellt. Zu den wichtigsten Staubquellen gehören Besucher und das Eindringen von Staub durch Öffnungen wie Fenster und Türen. Staubmatten, spezielle Computergehäuse, Staubsauger, Staubbläser und Atemschutzmasken stehen der Bibliothek zum Schutz vor Staub und zur Staubbekämpfung zur Verfügung. In der Bibliothek fehlten Geräte wie HEPA-Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting), Staubsammel- und Staubunterdrückungssysteme. Mangelnde Sensibilisierung und Schulung, unzureichende Finanzierung und fehlende Ausrüstung wurden als Herausforderungen für das Staubmanagement in der Bibliothek genannt.
References
Achumude, A. C., and B. O. Oladipo. 2009. “Effects of Dust Storm on Health in the Nigerian Environment.” Biology and Medicine 1 (4): 21–7.Search in Google Scholar
Bryer, L. 2021. “Another One Bites the Dust.” library.chethams.com/blog/another-one-bites-the-dust (accessed August 27, 2022).Search in Google Scholar
Bulgin.com. 2023. “Understanding the Ingress of Dust and Particulates in Your Electronic Designs.” https://www.bulgin.com/en/ (Accessed March 8, 2023).Search in Google Scholar
Keranen, E. D. 2009. “Effects of Dust on Computer Electronics, and Mitigating Approaches: A Special Report.” Computer Dust Solutions, LCC. www.computerdust.com (accessed July 28, 2022).Search in Google Scholar
Knight, B. 2011. “Dust Deposition and Measurement in Libraries.” International Preservation News 53: 16–23.Search in Google Scholar
Lithgow, K., H. M. Lloyd Mbe, P. Brimblecombe, Y. H. Yoon, and D. Thickett. 2005. “Managing Dust in Historical Houses- a Visitor/conservator Interface.” In ICOM Committee for Conservation, vol. II. The Hague: Preprint Published in The Triennial Meeting.Search in Google Scholar
Lloyd, H., C. Bendix, P. Brimblecombe, and D. Thickett. 2007. “Dust in Historical Libraries.” In Museum Microclimates 135–44. Copenhagen: The National Museum of Denmark.Search in Google Scholar
Lloyd, H., P. Brimblecombe, and K. Lithgow. 2006. “Economics of Dust.” Studies in Conservation 52: 135–46. https://doi.org/10.1179/sic.2007.52.2.135.Search in Google Scholar
Miller, J. E. 2006. “Dust.” In Encyclopedia Americana International Edition, 9, 497. Danbury: Scholastic Library Publishing, Inc.Search in Google Scholar
Muhammed, A. M, B. Kyari, A. U. Audu, A. M. Mala, M. BAlhaji, K. L. Alhaji, and A. H. Garba. 2020. “Psychological Perception of the Effects of Harmattan Dust on the Environment and Health of Building Occupants in Maiduguri Nigeria.” Facilities 38 (13/14): 893–912. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-05-2019-000.Search in Google Scholar
Pimlott, J., and C. Peach. 2011. “Low Cost Dust Monitoring at the British Library: A Case Study in Progress.” International Preservation News 53: 6–11.Search in Google Scholar
Proietti, A, F. Leccese, M. Caciotta, F. Morresi, U. Santamaria, and C. Malomo. 2014. “A New Dusts Sensor for Cultural Heritage Applications Based on Image Processing.” Sensors 14: 9813–32. https://doi.org/10.3390/s141609813.Search in Google Scholar
Sahoo, J. 2004. “Preservation of Library Materials: Some Preventive Measures.” The Orissa Historical Research Journal 47 (1): 105–14.10.1108/03074800410515264Search in Google Scholar
Schuller, D. 2011. “Audio and Video Materials in Tropical Climate.” International Preservation News 54: 31–4.Search in Google Scholar
SmithGoodlure, A. R., and S. Bioletti. 2011. “Monitoring Dust Deposited in the Old Library, Trinity College Dublin.” International Preservation News 53: 19–23.Search in Google Scholar
U N G A. 2022. “Sand and Dust Storms and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Un.org/en/observances/day-of-combating-sand-dust-storms (accessed May 14, 2023).Search in Google Scholar
World Metereological Organisation (WMO). “Sand and Dust Storms 2022 Report of the World Metreological Organisation.” publi.wmo.int (accessed February 27, 2023).Search in Google Scholar
© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Technical Note
- Viscosity of Wheat Starch Paste Used in Traditional Chinese Conservation Techniques
- Original Works
- Preparation of a Novel Adhesive from Highly Fibrillated Kozo Fibre for Paper Conservation
- Managing Dust in Academic Libraries
- On the Reversibility of Spray Adhesives in Paper Conservation
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Technical Note
- Viscosity of Wheat Starch Paste Used in Traditional Chinese Conservation Techniques
- Original Works
- Preparation of a Novel Adhesive from Highly Fibrillated Kozo Fibre for Paper Conservation
- Managing Dust in Academic Libraries
- On the Reversibility of Spray Adhesives in Paper Conservation
