Abstract

This report is based on research undertaken by an interdisciplinary team at De Montfort University, Leicester, on behalf of the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries (Resource), over the period November 1999 to August 2002.

The findings of this research represent the first stage of a longer-term project with the aim of developing a predictive computer model for simulating the conditions within historic buildings and monuments used for library and archive purposes. Such a model would offer a means of diagnosing the effects that a single change might have on the well-being of a building and its contents, and assist in the future management and aftercare of these valuable resources.

The present report is limited to investigating and quantifying the effects of dampness on building fabric and paper-based collections, with the resulting data and information being used to compile a database of cause and effect that will be utilised in the design, initiation, and testing of the intended predictive model.