13/02/2026 Latest News
As any collector will know, rare books are more than printed pages bound together. They are objects of craftsmanship, history and cultural significance. Whether you have inherited a small collection, discovered something interesting during a house clearance, or built up a library over many years, careful storage and handling can make a significant difference to long term condition and value.
At Auctioneum, we regularly see rare books in auctions that have survived centuries in remarkable condition, as well as others that have suffered avoidable damage through poor storage. We have put together this guide to explain how to protect rare books properly, including light, humidity, handling and the most common causes of damage to the condition of books.
In the rare book market, condition is critical. Two copies of the same edition can achieve very different results at auction depending on:
Even subtle changes in condition can influence desirability. Preventative care is always preferable to restoration, particularly as heavy handed repairs can reduce value.
Light, especially direct sunlight, is one of the most damaging environmental factors for rare books.
Ultraviolet light causes:
You may have seen shelves where the exposed spines are noticeably lighter than protected areas. Once fading has occurred, it cannot be reversed.
Store rare books away from direct sunlight. Avoid positioning bookcases opposite south facing windows. If a room receives strong daylight, consider:
If you are displaying a particularly valuable book, short term exhibition under controlled lighting is acceptable, but long term exposure should be avoided.
Paper and leather are both organic materials, which means they respond to environmental changes.
As a general rule, rare books prefer:
Sudden changes in temperature or damp conditions can cause pages to warp, bindings to crack, and mould to develop.
Basements, lofts and garages are often unsuitable for long term storage. These areas are prone to damp, condensation and extreme temperature shifts.
Signs of damp damage include:
If mould is suspected, isolate the affected book and seek specialist advice. Mould can spread quickly through a collection.
For domestic storage, an interior room with stable heating is usually preferable to an external wall or cellar. Avoid placing books directly against cold walls, where condensation can form.
Many rare books suffer more from enthusiastic handling than from age.
Always handle rare books with clean, dry hands. Contrary to popular belief, cotton gloves are not always recommended, as they can reduce grip and increase the risk of dropping the book.
When opening a book:
Older bindings, particularly leather, can crack if forced open beyond their natural movement.
Turn pages gently from the middle edge rather than pulling at the top corner. Avoid licking fingers to separate pages, as moisture and oils can cause staining.
If pages are stuck together, do not attempt to separate them without professional advice.
For 20th century first editions, original dust jackets are often essential to value. A missing or damaged dust jacket can reduce desirability significantly.
Clear archival quality dust jacket protectors can be fitted without altering the book. These help prevent tears and surface wear while remaining reversible.
Avoid adhesive tape repairs. Even small pieces of tape can leave staining and residue over time.
Store books upright, supported by neighbouring volumes or bookends. Avoid packing shelves too tightly, as this can damage spines when removing a book.
Very large or heavy volumes may be better stored flat to prevent strain on the binding.
Over the years, we have seen a number of well intentioned but damaging interventions.
Multi volume works are usually more valuable as complete sets. Breaking them up can reduce overall appeal.
Similarly, professional conservation is very different from repair. If a book is particularly valuable, always seek advice before carrying out any work.
If you are storing books for a longer period, consider archival quality materials:
Ordinary cardboard can contain acids that migrate into paper over time. Purpose made archival materials are designed to be chemically stable.
If you are unsure whether a book requires conservation, or if you are considering selling, a professional valuation is a sensible first step. At Auctioneum, we regularly assess rare books for auction and can advise on whether conservation is appropriate, or whether the book should remain in its current state.
In many cases, originality is more important than cosmetic perfection. Collectors often prefer an untouched copy with honest wear over one that has been heavily restored.
If you believe you may sell in the future, careful storage now protects potential value later. Keep:
Documented history can enhance desirability, particularly if a book has belonged to a notable individual or formed part of an established library.
Preserving rare books is about stability, care and restraint. Avoid extremes of light and humidity, handle with respect, and resist the urge to improve a book without expert guidance.
If you would like advice on storing a collection, or you are considering selling rare books at auction, our specialists at Auctioneum are happy to help. You can contact us, we offer clear, transparent valuations and practical guidance, ensuring that every volume is treated with the care and expertise it deserves.