Condition is most of a collectable book's value, and most damage happens slowly on the shelf. A few habits keep a book in the grade you bought it in.
Where to keep them
- Out of direct light. Sunlight fades spines and jackets within months. Choose a shelf away from windows, or use blinds.
- Steady, moderate conditions. A cool living room is better than a loft, cellar or garage. Aim for moderate humidity, roughly 45 to 55 per cent, and avoid swings: damp encourages mould and foxing, very dry air makes paper and bindings brittle.
- Away from outside walls and radiators. Cold walls attract condensation; radiators dry books out.
On the shelf
- Upright and supported. Shelve books upright, snug but not tight, with bookends where a row is short. Leaning books cock (the spine twists).
- Large books flat. Very tall or heavy books are better lying flat, no more than a few high.
- Not by the head of the spine. Pull a book out by gripping the middle of the spine, not by hooking a finger over the top, which tears the headcap.
Protecting jackets
Fit an archival polyester cover (acid-free, unglued to the jacket) to any jacket worth protecting. It stops rubbing and handling damage and can be removed without trace. See dust jackets explained.
What not to do
- No tape of any kind on pages or jackets.
- No rubber bands, paper clips or pressed flowers inside the book.
- No household cleaners or erasers on cloth or jackets. Leave cleaning and repair to a conservator for valuable books.
- No food, drink or ink near an open book.
If something goes wrong
Isolate a damp or mouldy book from the rest of your collection, let it dry slowly at room temperature (never on a radiator) and ask a book conservator before attempting repairs on anything valuable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to store old books?
Upright on a shelf out of direct sunlight, in a cool room with steady, moderate humidity, away from outside walls and radiators. Lofts, cellars and garages are usually too damp or too changeable.
Should I put my dust jackets in covers?
Yes, for any jacket worth protecting. Archival, acid-free polyester covers prevent rubbing and handling damage and can be removed without trace.
How do I stop foxing?
Foxing (brown spots) is encouraged by damp, so keep books in a dry, steady environment with moderate humidity. Existing foxing should be left to a conservator.
Where these facts come from
- General preservation guidance for paper and books from library and archive conservation practice
Points of issue are listed only where at least two independent sources agree. Last reviewed 16 October 2026.
Last reviewed 16 October 2026.