INCIDENCE OF VIABLE FUNGI IN LIBRARY

A survey of airborne viable fungi in the intramural environment of city central library, Gwalior was carried out with Burkard Sampler for two consecutive years (Sep.1998 to Aug. 2000). The incidence of fungal types was recorded, before and after agitation of books. Five major classes of fungal types were observed in varied concentration before and after agitation of books, A significantly marked increase in the concentration of airborne fungal spores resulted after agitation of books, particularly of Alternaria sp., Curvularia sp., Pyricularia sp., and Sporodesmium sp. However, spores of Helminthosporium sp., Tetraploa sp., and Aspergilli did not exhibit the change after agitation of books. The observed fungi are the causing factors for deterioration of books.