A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Evaluation of Air Quality and Thermo-Hygrometric Conditions for the Conservation of Heritage Manuscripts and Printed Materials in Historic Buildings: A Case Study of the Sala del Dottorato of the University of Perugia as a Model for Heritage Preservation and Occupants’ Comfort

Abstract

The Sala del Dottorato (Hall of Graduates) is a magnificent library in the University of Perugia which plays the double role of providing optimal conservation of valuable books and manuscripts while also hosting important events. This double role is closely connected to contrasting indoor microclimatic conditions. This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary study, begun in 2019, which investigates optimal conditions for the conservation of volumes by monitoring thermo-hygrometric and air quality parameters. The study describes the current conditions of the Hall (in terms of air temperature, relative humidity and concentration of CO2), highlighting critical aspects, defining strategies for their mitigation and control, and outlining future developments. Improvement measures relate to the installation of a permanent monitoring system with alarm settings and data storage, technical interventions on the windows, and the restoration of several volumes. The paper shows the importance of monitoring as an instrument of control in real time and provides guidelines for management to be implemented according to indoor microclimatic conditions.

Keywords

• cultural heritage
• conservation
• monitoring
• historic library