Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Items on Exhibit
• Items with Coated Papers
• Items with Soluble Inks and Colorants
• Books and Bound Materials
• Manuscripts
• Art on Paper
• Items Housed in Plastic Enclosures
• Photographic Materials
• Microform
• Audio/Visual Recordings
• Paintings and other Framed or Glazed Art
• Metals
• Glass/Ceramics
• Wood
• Textiles
• Wet Natural History Collections

**The exhibit registrar must notify the lending institution to determine whether the borrowing institution has the authority to salvage the items in the exhibit**

Recovery Priority during the first 24-48 hours

Wear thin plastic gloves. Wet items are easily torn, so handle them carefully by the edges and support from underneath. Do not unfold, unroll, or separate thin items if they are resistant or tearing. Do not remove non-library owned materials without approval of the library exhibit registrar.

1. Determine the number of items affected.
2. Cover exhibit cases to protect from water.
3. Secure and restrict access to affected area.
4. Contact Exhibit Registrar.
5. Dry the materials upon receiving permission. The preferred order for drying is:
   1. Air dry
   2. Freeze, thaw and air dry
   3. Commercial freeze-drying by sublimation or vacuum, as done under a contract. (Note: Thermal vacuum drying is not recommended.)

Freezing Procedures

Freeze items that cannot be air-dried within 48 hours. Mold may occur after 48 hours if the temperature is above 70°F or if the relative humidity is above 70%.

• Drain off excess water before packing.
• Use plastic cartons, milk crates or cardboard cartons for packing.
• Pack oversize materials flat. Pack books spine down.

Note: If the item is a borrowed, please contact the lending institution to receive approval to freeze the object.

Follow the specific instructions based on the type of material, found on the left toolbar.

Air Drying Procedures

• Drain excess water from the item before drying. Follow the specific instructions based on the type of material, found on the left toolbar.

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