Morinehtar wrote:
Well some Reddit user defined me as "quite a paranoid and fearful fellow" while discussing the topic

I really just want to build a safe setup that can be easily replicated so that I don't have to worry about it any more. But the more you read about conservation stuff, the more you learn there is no such thing.

It is called entropy. Everything over time goes from order to disorder, and all you can do is try to slow it down a bit. It IS frustrating, mind.

Has anyone ever experimented with UV film for windows? Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1478386069&sr=8-18&keywords=uv+window+filter

The bookshelf in my living room gets a good deal of indirect sunlight. I keep the blinds closed at all times but the room still gets pretty bright at times. I'm sure this can't be as damaging as direct sunlight to book spines, but how harmful is indirect light? Can anyone offer any advice on this? Thank you!

Berelach wrote:
The bookshelf in my living room gets a good deal of indirect sunlight. I keep the blinds closed at all times but the room still gets pretty bright at times. I'm sure this can't be as damaging as direct sunlight to book spines, but how harmful is indirect light? Can anyone offer any advice on this? Thank you!

It is all harmful, relected light is just less so (aa there is less of it). UV window tints are probably pretty useful, plus if you have glass-fronted bookcases, you can also add film to those.

Thank you Stu, I appreciate the insight

The room where the books are has sun and heat blocking curtains, but some sunlight sneaks in by reflection. UV window tints and reorganizing the room to move the bookcase farther away from the door is the next step.

Stu, you said you added a film of acid free paper so that the books are not resting directly over the wooden bookcase. What is the actual effect of wood acid vapors on books? (browning, foxing?)

Morinehtar wrote:
The room where the books are has sun and heat blocking curtains, but some sunlight sneaks in by reflection. UV window tints and reorganizing the room to move the bookcase farther away from the door is the next step.

Stu, you said you added a film of acid free paper so that the books are not resting directly over the wooden bookcase. What is the actual effect of wood acid vapors on books? (browning, foxing?)

Wasn't trying to avoid any vapours; Just didn't want to the risk that any wood-stain migrated onto the edges.

So not scared of wood vapors?

Morinehtar wrote:
So not scared of wood vapors?

The wood is all recycled and has been seasoned a long, long time ago, so is not a concern. And like I said, we aren't talking about anything of Earth-shattering rareness. In 15 years I'll most likely be underground, so they don't have to stay in good condition forever :)

That sounds terribly pessimistic. But I see your point, barring unnatural disasters these books will outlive us for sure.