THE National Library of South Africa (NLSA) has turned to technology to preserve hundreds of thousands of books that have been collected over the 200 years of its existence.

The institution has invested R21 million in a deacidification system that can prolong the lifespan of books by about 150 years.

According to national librarian John Tsebe, the move is aimed at ensuring that future generations have access to material at the library regardless of how long ago it was written.

The system can also be used by other institutions that need to preserve library material, including schools, tertiary institutions and community-based libraries.

“It is very important that we preserve books because we can use the power of information to better individuals and communities.

“This will ensure that books that might have otherwise deteriorated are kept in good shape for many years to come.

“The acid used to make paper eventually contributes to their deterioration and with this system, we are able to neutralise the acid and make sure the books remain in good shape,” said Tsebe.

The library’s preservation manager, Isaac Nkadimeng, said for nearly 200 years the library had been collecting and preserving a complete set of south African books, newspapers, journals and magazines, maps, acts and other government publications.

“Due to the embrittlement of paper, more than 60 percent of those collections are in danger of loss. We currently estimated that about 300 000 books will have to be treated as a matter of urgency.

“Due to its role as national library, we will primarily focus on Africana and publications in the South African vernacular languages for treatment.

“The emphasis will be on endangered volumes from collections that are central to the library’s mission, and other institutions will be able to preserve their collections as well,” said Nkadimeng.

The deacidification system, known as Bookkeeper, has been operational since August last year and has a capacity to process more than 30 000 books a year.

According to the library, the system is the only one of its kind in southern Africa. The library hopes that many institutions will benefit from the new system.