Foxing is not the only problem encountered when building a private library. The paper used to print books is prone to a host of other ills, including biopredation (insects, rodents, mildew, etc.), dampstaining (water damage) and browning.
Browning is arguably the most widespread of such problems in the modern era. It is caused by insufficient removal of lignin when wood pulp is processed into paper, as well as by the use of alum-rosin sizing. Browning is likely to be most apparent in books printed from the late 19th century onwards (especially the period from roughly 1870-1950), as shown by this specimen from ILAB's excellent glossary:
Nowadays, most high-quality hardbacks in developed nations are printed using acid-free paper to insure longevity. However, because all papers emit various volatile organic compounds as they age (that familiar "smell of old books"), one should consider segregating one's more acidic books from everything else in one's private library, especially if one's private library is not well-ventilated or otherwise controlled for environmental problems like humidity and heat....
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