Mould and Documents

Mould surrounds us at all times. But on files, documents, books, maps, plans and graphics, mould shows itself not only in fluffy, colourful coatings but also in degraded papers, faded inks and blocked pages.
The written cultural heritage is threatened in its existence. Mould is versatile in its appearance, its potential for damaging historical documents, but also in its possible effect on human health.
The versatility of mould creates uncertainties in institutions that make it difficult to act quickly. Knowledge of the basics of dealing with mould and suspected mould is therefore all the more important for everyday practice in libraries, archives, museums and other institutions that manage written materials.

Course Content

The course teaches you the biological basics of mould development, the factors influencing growth and development and illustrates the characteristic features of mould on documents using numerous illustrations. Simple, practical detection methods are presented and the approach to evaluating the results is explained. The material-destroying impact of mould on the records is illustrated; the potential health risk is presented. You will be introduced to the basics of occupational health and safety standards and learn how to implement these protective measures with the help of concrete recommendations for action. You will acquire knowledge about mould prevention, the correct action to take in the event of damage and possible treatment methods for decontamination. Schematic diagrams, action plans and templates help you to implement the course contents in your practical everyday life. A detailed bibliography rounds off the course.

The Modules

• The first module begins with an introduction, describes important terms and coincides with the subject in practice. You will then learn the biological basics of mould development and why parameters such as climate, nutrients and light have an influence on growth and development.
• In the second module, you will be shown the characteristic features of mould on records with the help of the 3-stage system using many illustrations. Common, simple detection methods such as the ATP/AMP measurement, the preparation of adhesive film preparations and the measurement of material moisture are presented to you and the interpretation of the results is explained.
• The third module deals with mould prevention. You will learn how to use data loggers, dehumidifiers and structural factors correctly and why proper room hygiene is an essential part of mould prevention. You will deal with the black-white separation and receive recommendations for on-site inspections.
• The fourth module deals with damage, emergency boxes and first aid measures in the event of damage. The destructive impact of mould on records is explained and treatment methods are presented.
• In the fifth module, you will be introduced to the potential health hazards of mould. You will then gain an insight into the legal basis of occupational health and safety based on German law and concrete remarks on the implementation of protective measures, the use of safety cabinets and the handling of personal protective equipment.

Friederike Johanna Nithack M.A..studied Conservation Science of Records, Books and Graphics at the HAWK in Hildesheim (Germany) for 5 years. During her Master's degree, she already studied mould intensively with Prof. Dr. Karin Petersen and dealt with mould contamination on records in her Master's thesis. Since then, she has been teaching the basics of recognising mould and handling contaminated records in accordance with occupational health and safety regulations in courses and lectures. Since 2018, she has held the position of the assistant workshop manager at the LWL Archives Office for Westphalia and advises on conservation issues.

Contact

Please direct any related queries to fortbildung@hornemann-institut.de