Fungal biodeterioration of historical library materials stored in Compactus movable shelves

In the last ten years there have been many reports on single species mould infections within Compactus shelves in spite of conventional control of environmental temperature and humidity to recommended standars. Contamination was commonly characterized by white spots of mycelium observed on volume binding especially those of leather, parchment or textile. Until now, the identification of the causal agent at species level has not been reported. Using a range of sampling techniques, including adhesive tape and nitrocellulose membrane, and a combination of conventional culturing methods, direct microscopic observations and molecular methods, we have for the first time identified to the species level the fungus causing infections inside Compactus shelves. The