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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 April 2016
The acquisition of books and journals for a scientific library is costly. To ensure that this is a cost-effective process, consideration must be given to the arrangement, care and preservation of the collection. The books should be stored in a designated library area. Items acquired by purchase or donation must be catalogued, and a loan record kept. Besides regular library routines, attention must be given to the protection and preservation of the collection. Among the factors that contribute to the deterioration of library materials are temperature and humidity within the storage area, air pollution, dust, light and pests. Unchecked, they may cause serious damage to library materials at a very fast rate. If they are controlled, deterioration is greatly reduced.