Identical Books

The Identical Books project (2006–8) looked at the condition of books in different nationally significant libraries, and was led by the British Library.

Aim

The aim of the project was to investigate how different storage environments in libraries of deposit have determined the present condition of identical books placed in these libraries during the 20th century. The project sought to understand the effects of different storage environments on book condition and from this predict future changes in book condition.

Outcome

A number of identical books held by the libraries were studied using simple tests of current condition, such as pH measurements, in order to see how book condition varies among the libraries.

ISH's role in the project was to study the past environment of the libraries using building simulation. Computer models of the then storage conditions at two or three of the libraries were then constructed and used to investigate what the library storage environment may have been like through the 20th century. The study of past conditions was developed from historic environmental data, where available, and information on library building design and services and patterns of use during its recent history.

The preferred building simulation tool was EnergyPlus, to help understand the effects of climate change on historic buildings as part of the Noah’s Ark project

Participating libraries

• The British Library
• Oxford University Library Services
• Cambridge University Library
• Library of Trinity College Dublin
• National Library of Scotland
• National Library of Wales

People

Matija Strlic

Funding

The Identical Books project was funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Image credit

Unsplash: Jan Mellström

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