Conservation of bibliographic collections using gamma ionization – paradigm for cultural collections professionals

The preservation of cultural assets, especially bibliographic collections, requires the dissemination of the gamma ionization technique, which is mainly used for the decontamination and sterilization of these materials. The procedure, which is used to preserve library collections in Brazil and other countries, is also used to preserve documents and art collections, being safe to handle, after ionization, once it leaves no residue behind. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and identify behavioral aspects related to gamma ionization and its application in decontaminating collections. The target audience was a group of professionals who work with cultural assets in Pernambuco and other states. Two questionnaires were used, obtaining 39 and 105 respondents respectively, characterizing the participants and their knowledge of gamma ionization. The research was qualitative and quantitative, of a phenomenological nature. For the analysis, questions were grouped into thematic blocks, characterizing the participants, finding out “knowledge of gamma ionization itself” – with both knowledge and ignorance of the concept and application of the technique – and also collecting from participants their feelings, opinions and positions on various aspects of the application of gamma ionization. Finally, means and personal sources of obtaining information were specified, dealing with sharing of information.