A recent mishap sent me scrambling for info on how to dry a wet book. Luckily, Syracuse University Libraries has a handy how-to guide demonstrated by their preservation department.
It’s important to note that if it’s a book with glossy pages, like a
coffee table book, it may be better to put it in a freezer and let the
ice sublimate. This will take much more time than air drying, but it may
help reduce puckering and distortion.
For certain types of materials (see list below), immediate freezing is the only option available to prevent total loss.
What to freeze:
• Immediately freeze glossy (coated) papers and items with thinly
applied soluble (bleeding) media to prepare for vacuum freeze drying.
• Freezing also recommended for leather, parchment, and rare books
Freezing in a household freezer is an option, but adjust to the coldest
possible setting. Note: household freezers may not reach cold enough
temperatures to prevent the formation of large ice crystals in the
items, which can cause damage.
A freezer with a “frost-free” setting can, over months, dry out items (“freeze-drying”), which can be preferable to air drying.
Disaster recovery service providers can provide the best options when a
large number of items are wet or when more advanced, industrial
equipment is otherwise needed. Vendors can provide regular freezing
followed by air drying, blast freezing (which helps minimize the
formation of large ice crystals), freeze drying, and vacuum freeze
drying.
