Are there things that should be considered in regard to the preservation of library materials during winter?
Many of the normal steps taken in the fall to prepared buildings for winter are appropriate for the preservation of materials. However, some things that might not have been considered could have an impact on the library’s collection. When leaves and branches are raked and picked up, it is important to ensure they are removed from around building foundations as buildup can hamper drainage. All gutters, downspouts and roofs should be completely cleaned. Blocked gutters and downspouts can easily result in leaks. Because these backups often occur when temperatures are close to freezing, any drop in temperature can result in ice jams that damage the roof or result in troublesome leaks. Storm windows need to be in place, as they play a significant role in maintaining a constant internal temperature. For libraries with thermal windows, it is important to check that seals are tight and there are no leaks. An important item often overlooked are the small holes or gaps at the base of storm windo
