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Special collections humidity issue
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Special collections humidity issue
12:33 PM EST 1/5/09
Hi! Our special collections room humidity is hovering around 22%. It is a long room and we are unable to attach a humidifier to our HVAC system. We are concerned about placing a humidifier in the room because the items closest to it will absorb too much humidity. This room is long and oddly shaped with the bookshelves running the narrow length. Does anyone have any ideas for this situation?i
RE: Special collections humidity issue
12:32 AM EST 2/11/09 as a reply to Marci Behm.
Hi Marci!

That's a difficult arrangement to deal with, with either high or low humidity. The problem is the air circulation pattern, which is blocked by the shelving. You might try placing a fan behind the humidifier and several more along the aisle to distribute the air. I've seen some success with that for high humidity and pockets of very humid air.

You also might think of two smaller humidifiers, one at each end, with the fans again.

Do you have a HVAC person on staff, who might give you more insight on the circulation pattern?
RE: Special collections humidity issue
2:02 PM EDT 4/25/09 as a reply to Susan Knoer.
We placed two humidifiers in the room with limited results. The building is set up with a floating floor where the air flows through the entire building and blows out through floor ducts. The air is then recirculated through return ducts out of various rooms. I've spoken with HVAC and there isn't really a way to address the problem. Shutting all the floor vents will eliminate any humidity that is coming into the room and there are circulation vents along the exterior of the wall that cannot be shut. It's far from ideal.