If you have books that you expect to increase in value and hope to sell at a handsome profit, then the first principal to follow is to discontinue reading these books. Even white glove treatment could cause permanent damage. And discontinue loaning them out to anyone. Obtain a second copy of your favorite tomes for reading yourself and for lending out to family members or friends.

Keep your valuable books away from all food and drink. The ideal environment for your valuable books should be as close to museum conditions as is possible for your budget. That means heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. An enclosed chamber with temperature and humidity control is for the serious collector with ample financial means.

But everyone should do whatever is possible to maximize the book storage conditions. The idea is to provide an environment with as steady a temperature as possible, with as low as moisture content as possible. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause books to warp, buckle, crack and fall apart. Storing books in your regular living space is acceptable, but not in the basement, garage or attic.

Books are hygroscopic, meaning that they readily absorb moisture. And what enemy of books thrives on moisture? Mold! Mold thrives in dark humid places, so air circulation is crucial to the care of your valuable books. Be aware that insects need food, and books are a gourmet meal with their sugary glues and paper starch. Many people do not realize that wood, leather, paper, and other materials in books are all food to insects. High humidity causes mold growth, and increased insect activity. Routinely check areas where books are stored and examine for signs of insect and mold activity.

Books should be stored upright on a shelf. Make sure your books are stored so the spines are straight and upright. Use shelves big enough so that the books will stand up and clear the shelf above. The shelf should be deep enough to allow empty space behind the volumes. The shelf should not be on an outside wall where the temperature fluctuations might be extreme. The shelf should be in the darkest, low moisture inside room of your house. Never let the sun or any other source of ultraviolet light shine on your valuable books.

Do not write in your valuable books. Period. Not even a penciled-in name on an inside cover. Unless, of course, you are standing right in front of the author. Then of course it is in your best interests to allow the signature of the author!

You should always put your dust jackets in acid-free dust jacket protectors. These are the clear plastic covers that you see on library book dust jackets. It is the most economical way to protect your books from wear and tear. It is relatively inexpensive, and easy to apply, as there is no tape or glue.

Clean your books every year or so. When you take books off the shelf, make sure you pull the book from the middle of the spine instead of from the top of the spine. After carefully removing the dust jacket, hold the book closed tightly and dust off the top and edges with a good feather duster. Then put the dust jacket back on.

If you follow these basic principles for valuable book care, your books should increase in value while maintaining a condition very near to their present condition. Buying rare books can be a great investment and a lot of fun. You just may find you have a truly rare gem on your shelf.

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The author is webmaster of Book Brigade, where you can buy discount books online.