Bugs, mice, and worms! Oh my! Many small critters will eat or chew on archival materials, so it is essential to keep them at bay. Extermination, minimizing access, and removing food/water sources are key. That said, evidence of wormholes or other pests in archival materials can provide insights into the material history of a text.
This book has fed minds - and bodies - over the centuries!
Bookworms and Books (Clementine Library, Rare Books)
This piece from the University’s rare books collection shows the work of bookworms all along the leather binding. Even centuries later, they have left their mark.
Gremlins!
These mythological creatures were often blamed for accidents around factories and military operations during the Second World War. While we have not personally seen any of these impish figures, they provide a lighthearted way to be on the look out for both insects and safety violations in the stacks.