Mold

Abstract

Many libraries have experienced mold outbreaks. A common response by either the library's or the institution's administration has been to organize a simple clean up. Utilizing library or facilities staff, the mold is wiped off the books and nearby surfaces, shelving and flooring, are washed with a disinfectant solution. Frequently, this level of containment, along with efforts taken to prevent a re-occurrence, is viewed as a time-consuming and costly nuisance that challenges limited resources. However, we are just beginning to learn enough about the health implications of mold so that additional measures must be considered to sufficiently protect the health of library users and staff. As with many pollutants, a high concentration of mold spores in the environment is increasingly believed to be a biohazard for humans, one that cannot be seen or even smelled. Library staff must become more knowledgeable in treating an outbreak of mold so they may educate and advocate for a more protective approach to containment. This shields not only local users and collections but lending libraries as well since they may become the temporary custodians of affected materials. Institutions should consider the moral obligation to protect the health of library users and staff as well as the potential for costly medical liability litigation. This article seeks to balance the traditional object-centered approach to mold that focuses on library collections and facilities with one that addresses potential health issues as well. This method is more time-consuming and includes the involvement of multiple stakeholders who often have different cost/benefit perspectives of the issues involved. It therefore recognizes that, in the end, resource limitations will almost always drive decision-making.