Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the indoor air quality of the libraries of the General Library of the Utrecht State University. During two periods, one week in winter and one week in summer, indoor and outdoor concentrations of the compounds sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), ozone (O3) and black smoke were registered continuously. The present study shows that the average concentrations depend on the location. The concentrations of air pollutants are highest in the Kelder, successively followed by the Handschriftenkluis, the Nieuwe Magazijn and the Sing-Sing. It is probable that the distances between these individual sections and the Wittevrouwenstraat, a narrow street with relatively much traffic, play a role in this rank order. The measured concentrations of air pollutants are low for all locations in comparison with levels observed at archives and musea elsewhere, but are indeed above the advised levels mentioned in the literature.