INDUSTRY SPECIFIC

Despite the best precautions, libraries and museums are not immune from calamitous events that can damage valuable books, papers, documents, and artifacts. The numbers speak for themselves. More than 650 U.S. libraries and museums experienced some form of fire damage in the four-year period ending in 2007, according to National Fire Protection Association statistics.

Time is of the essence when valuable books and documents have been damaged, particularly by water and moisture. Librarians and museum curators faced with damage to their collections should contact an expert in document recovery as soon as possible because mold can begin growing on wet documents and books within 48 hours.

Rapid Refile is distinguished from many other document recovery firms because we specialize in both of the widely accepted methods of reclamation: vacuum freeze-drying and desiccant drying. Vacuum freeze drying is the method of choice for reclaiming damaged books because it arrests microbial growth, warping of paper, and bleeding ink. Our desiccant drying process, which features a specialized racking system that enables super dry air to flow through pages, is most effective with individual documents.

Having a well-crafted emergency preparedness plan is vital for all libraries and museums given the value and number of important books, documents, and collections they house. Important components of the plan include sufficient valuable papers coverage to cover any losses and contact information for a reputable document recovery specialist.

Rapid Refile encourages librarians and museum curators to participate in its Rapid Response Program. The program is designed to enable participants to avoid needless delays in setting document recovery activities in motion through advance planning and information sharing by giving Rapid Refile critical information on types of books and documents in the library or museum, how they are stored, insurance carriers, and the like. The information is stored in Rapid Refile’s data base for fast retrieval and action. Libraries and museums participating in the Rapid Response Program are given priority in disaster situations and receive a free damage inspection and proposal for services.

For immediate assistance or to enroll in Rapid Refile’s no-cost Rapid Response Program, Contact Us.

Members of Rapid Refile’s professional team have provided document recovery services to some of the nation’s leading libraries and museums, including:

• The Ukrainian Museum, New York, NY
• American Bible Society, New York, NY
• New York Academy of Medicine, New York, NY
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York, NY