Leaving books with or without slipcases in the publishers shrink-wrap. Do or Don't??

[Brian861]

This is what Robert over at Grant had to say on the matter, "I always suggest that people take the books out of shrink-wrap a) because then they can see all the art and design and b) the shrink-wrap plastic does give off fumes. Some Detroit in time. Many collectors believe that the books have more value if in shrink-wrap".

[Brian861]

I protect my books with Broadart Mylar covers. I am a collector but I am a reader first and I find the fingerprints and fraying I get on dust jackets without covers really bugs me.

I could see where you'd need 'em then Martin. Me personally, I probably wouldn't need them because my primary focus is King and I get his trades via the book club for reading; aka my "daily drivers" .

[Martin]

I have some that I have purchased that way Lincoln but no I haven't personally covered any. From what I've found to read on the subject, seems some say do, others say not. Subtopic here but what's your opinion or anyone else's for that matter?

I protect my books with Brodart Mylar covers. I am a collector but I am a reader first and I find the fingerprints and fraying I get on dust jackets without covers really bugs me.

[Brian861]

Yeah, definitely take the wrap off.
Do you cover your dust jackets, Brian?

I have some that I have purchased that way Lincoln but no I haven't personally covered any. From what I've found to read on the subject, seems some say do, others say not. Subtopic here but what's your opinion or anyone else's for that matter?

[Lincoln]

Yeah, definitely take the wrap off.
Do you cover your dust jackets, Brian?

[Brian861]

I think the two main points I have heard are those mentioned above. Shrink Wrap by design shrinks. This applies pressure to the book and dust jacket and can cause issues. Sweating inside the shrink wrap can happen and if it does will cause damage to the book. Also shrink wrap will degrade over time and may stick to the contents.

Thanks Martin.

[Martin]

I think the two main points I have heard are those mentioned above. Shrink Wrap by design shrinks. This applies pressure to the book and dust jacket and can cause issues. Sweating inside the shrink wrap can happen and if it does will cause damage to the book. Also shrink wrap will degrade over time and may stick to the contents.

[Brian861]

This came up in another thread about a year ago. A major problem mentioned at that time is that shrink wrap can shrink over time, which can cause physical damage to your books.

Ok thanks Slayn (Sorry, have yet to learn everyone's "real" name). And guess what, another bubble mailer today!!!. I think it's time we gather those horses you spoke of yesterday. I'll post a picture later. Terrible.

[slayn666]

This came up in another thread about a year ago. A major problem mentioned at that time is that shrink wrap can shrink over time, which can cause physical damage to your books.

[Brian861]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it. I have heard of moisture / condensation being trapped inside the shrink wrap. I haven't experienced this first hand, however we did receive the last copies of probably a 20 - 30 year old gift edition awhile ago that where stored in their shrink wrap and probably 30% of them had some mildew on them, which took some effort to clean off.

Thanks Dan. Sounds like maybe slipcasing/traycasing might be the better options. And of course the storage environment and exposure to the elements play a part as well.

[Dan Hocker]

I apologize if this has already been addressed elsewhere but my brief search of the forum was fruitless. Looking to get opinions from the masses on this subject, horror stories, unpleasant surprises, etc. Thanks subie09lega for bringing this matter to my attention.

Personally I wouldn't recommend it. I have heard of moisture / condensation being trapped inside the shrink wrap. I haven't experienced this first hand, however we did receive the last copies of probably a 20 - 30 year old gift edition awhile ago that where stored in their shrink wrap and probably 30% of them had some mildew on them, which took some effort to clean off.

[Brian861]

I apologize if this has already been addressed elsewhere but my brief search of the forum was fruitless. Looking to get opinions from the masses on this subject, horror stories, unpleasant surprises, etc. Thanks subie09lega for bringing this matter to my attention.