Since the mid-19th century when the use of ground wood pulp paper became widespread, together with increased air pollution, this process has accelerated. Poor binding methods and amateur repairs also contribute to book damage. DOGS Wesleyan dogs are great book lovers judging by the frequency of this type of damage. USE Books wear out. Low temperature without humidity control does not hamper the growth of mold.
MICE chew on books to make bedding for their nests.
ACID - sulfur dioxide gas in polluted air reacts with the moisture naturally found in paper to form sulfuric acid. This breaks down the paper's cellulose molecule chains and embrittles it. Leather is food for fungi, insects and rodents. During the 1960's and 1970's experimented with poor quality adhesives and paper in efforts to cut production costs. For the past few years there has been a popular misconception that books are going to be replaced by digital formats and that digital formats should be the preservation medium of choice.