If maximum benefits are to be gained from stabilization by freezing, every effort should be made, first, to identify and assess the value, condition, and total numbers and types of materials damaged, and second, to draw up comprehensive lists of those materials which can be replaced and those which should be reclaimed and restored.
Replacement is nearly always cheaper than restoration.
Volumes to be reclaimed will need to be evaluated in terms of the amount of restoration needed and probable costs. The following represent basic steps that need to be taken after drying in order to begin returning the material to normal housing environments. It is important when preparing specification for a drying contract that acceptable water content is not specified as an average of a books total water content. All books and paper file records should be unboxed and placed on open shelving in a well ventilated, air-conditioned rehabilitation area, well separated from the main collections. The rehabilitation area makes it easier to assess the condition of the dried materials, as well as to identify those that can be replaced and those that must be cleaned and restored.