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News Release2002-16 Excessive Heat Threatens the National Library’s Newspaper CollectionOttawa, July 25, 2002 - Dr. Roch Carrier, National Librarian, announces that the excessive heat and humidity levels that the Ottawa area recently experienced resulted in the heat alarms going off last Monday, July 22, in the National Library of Canada’s newspaper collection facility located at 151 Bentley Avenue. Over 18, 000 original copies of Canada’s major newspapers, dating back to the early 1800s, as well as important government publications are stored at the Bentley facility. "As National Librarian, I have a responsibility to protect our nation’s collections," said Dr. Carrier. "How can these collections continue to be preserved for future generations when they are not stored in the best possible facility? Two hundred and fifty years of journalistic heritage is too valuable to be placed at risk." Newspapers should ideally be stored at temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. Once the temperature rises above 30 degrees at the Bentley facility, the heat alarm system is engaged, warning of possible deterioration of the materials. The effect of chronic high heat is the accelerated chemical deterioration of paper, especially unstable newsprint. "When high heat is linked with high humidity, as we’ve seen on many days this summer, there is an increased probability of mould growing on the material," states Alison Bullock, Manager, Preservation and Copying Services, National Library of Canada. This incident is the latest in a series of such alarms at the Bentley facility. The owners of the building and officials at Public Works and Government Services Canada are investigating the incident. The National Library of Canada is a federal cultural institution whose main role is to acquire, protect and promote Canada’s published heritage for all Canadians, both now and in the years to come. The Library’s collection of Canadian newspapers is the most extensive in the country. It includes newspapers in original newsprint, bound volumes, microfilm and microfiche. - 30 - Information: Pauline M. Portelance |