How do mice affect library collections? - briefly
Mice cause physical damage to books, manuscripts, and other media by chewing bindings, contaminating paper with urine and droppings, and creating fire hazards through nest-building. Their activity leads to loss of content, increased restoration costs, and the need for stricter pest‑control measures.
How do mice affect library collections? - in detail
Rodents infiltrate library environments through gaps in building envelopes, ventilation shafts, and utility conduits. Their presence introduces several mechanisms that compromise the integrity of collections.
Physical damage occurs when mice gnaw on binding cords, cardboard covers, and plastic sleeves. The chewing creates holes, tears, and loss of structural support, rendering items unfit for circulation. Additionally, nests built from shredded paper, fabric, and adhesive strips displace or obscure cataloged materials, increasing handling time and the risk of misplacement.
Contamination arises from urine, feces, and hair. Urine deposits contain ammonia, which accelerates paper acidification and weakens ink pigments. Fecal pellets introduce microorganisms that can foster mold growth, especially in humid sections of the storage area. Hair and dander accumulate on surfaces, attracting dust and promoting static discharge that may attract additional particles to delicate media.
Biological threats include pathogens carried by rodents. Bacterial agents such as Salmonella and viral particles can survive on surfaces long enough to infect staff, leading to increased absenteeism and reduced staffing capacity for preservation tasks. Moreover, the presence of rodents may trigger pest‑control interventions that involve chemicals, potentially exposing collections to residual toxic residues.
Preventive measures focus on exclusion, monitoring, and remediation:
- Seal all entry points larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, caulking, or metal flashing.
- Install door sweeps and maintain positive air pressure in storage zones.
- Deploy motion‑activated traps and non‑poisonous bait stations away from collection shelves.
- Conduct quarterly inspections using infrared cameras and pheromone detectors to locate activity hotspots.
- Implement integrated pest‑management protocols that prioritize mechanical controls, followed by targeted chemical treatments with low‑toxicity agents approved for use near archival materials.
- Perform immediate cleaning of contaminated areas with HEPA‑filtered vacuums and enzymatic cleaners to neutralize organic residues.
Documentation of incidents, including timestamps, locations, and remediation actions, supports trend analysis and informs resource allocation for ongoing protection of library holdings.