Collection Management Division

George A. Smathers Libraries

Preservation Bulletin 7.2

October 5, 1994

Procedures for Examining Library Materials
for Evidence of Infestation

Examination procedures allow the Libraries to treat infested and suspect materials before they reach the shelves and reduce the possibility of infestation. Persons charged with examining or reviewing new acquisitions and library materials in the stacks, in storage and returning from circulation should be familiar with the guidelines, "Know the Signs of Insect Infestation," Preservation Bulletin 7.1.

1. Examine shelving, boxes and each item, looking for signs of insect infestation.
2. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected:
   
   1. Attempt to capture live insect or insect remains for identification by the Pest Control Officer.
   2. Place obviously infested items--those in which insects, their remains, droppings, eggs or tunnels/nests appear--in a sealed zip-lock bag. Bags are available through the Supplies Office. Other types of plastic bags may be used if sealed tightly.
   3. Placed bagged infested items in a box.
   4. Using rubber or vinyl gloves, place one handful of moth balls, if available, in the box. Moth balls and gloves are available through the Supplies Office or Preservation Department.
      NOTE: Do not allow moth balls to come into direct contact with library resources. Avoid breathing fumes.
   5. Seal the box with packing tape.
   6. Label boxes: "INFESTED. DO NOT OPEN." This material must not enter the Libraries under any circumstances before insect eradication.
   7. Contact University Pest Control (telephone: 392-1204) and make arrangements for fumigation. Box should be delivered to and treated by Pest Control before it enters the Libraries.
3. If no sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, proceed with acquisition, distribution, etc. as normal.

1. Examine sealed package carefully, looking for signs of insect infestation before opening.
2. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, notify the Preservation Department. If Preservation staff cannot come immediately to examine the package, quarantine it.
   
   Guidelines for the quarantine of packages:
   1. Place package in a plastic bag if available.
   2. Place in a box with moth balls if available.
      (NOTE: Do not allow moth balls to come into direct contact with library resources. Avoid breathing fumes.)
   3. Seal the box with packing tape.
   Preservation staff will examine the package. If treatement is necessary, you will be required to deliver the package to University Pest Control (telephone: 392-1904) for fumigation.
3. If no sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, open the package.
4. Examine each item within the package, looking for signs of insect infestation.
5. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected, notify the Preservation Department. If Preservation staff cannot come immediately to examine the item, quarantine the item and others originally packaged with it (cf, Guidelines, above).
   Preservation staff will examine the item(s). If treatment is necessary, you will be required to deliver the package to University Pest Control (telephone: 392-1904) for fumigation.

1. Examine shelving and each item, looking for signs of insect infestation.
2. If any sign of infestation or possible infestation is detected:
   1. Attempt to capture live insect or insect remains for identification by the Pest Control Officer.
   2. Place obviously infested items (i.e., those in which insects, their remains, droppings, eggs, tunnels/nests) in a zip-lock bag or other tightly sealed plastic bag. Bags are available from the Supplies Office.
   3. Notify the Facilities Office immediately, reporting the exact location and nature of the infestation.
      • The Facilities Officer will verify the infestation and engage the Pest Control Officer.
      • If the infestation has damaged or is damaging library materials, the Facilities Officer will engage the Preservation Officer.