Susan Russick, Lea Faoro, and Lindsey Williams
Abstract
Lead was commonly used in books from the nineteenth century through the 1980s on publishers’ bindings, library applied bindings, and commercial binders. After XRF analysis of over 1,500 volumes, lead was detected in approximately 90% of materials, often with chromium. We conducted studies which included air monitoring, surface testing, waste characterization, and lead transfer from books. With the increased knowledge concerning lead in library collections, Northwestern has developed use policies for staff and patrons, which includes staff training, supervised use of materials, labeling, and housing.