HANDLING BOOKS/PRINTED MATERIAL The Library & Archive provides readers with the means for research, by making accessible books and other materials from our collections. This in turn depends on the proper preservation of the items by all readers. The following guidelines, from our Conservation Department, must be observed. READERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO Place anything on top of an open book (use weights available at the Reading Room desk). Write while resting the paper on a book (open or closed), or on other Library & Archive materials. Lean on books, or rest open books on top of each other. Bend books back, place them face downwards, or otherwise harm the binding. Straighten creased pages or corners as this can cause further damage. Do not fold pages (markers are available on request). Bring any materials into the library that may cause damage - food, drink (incl. water), paste or glue, ink, correction fluid, adhesive tape, highlighter pens, scissors, or knives. Touch a book, photograph or any other library item with: writing materials, rubber bands, paper clips or pins. Write in books, or harm them in any way. Lick fingers when turning pages, or when consulting cards in the catalogue. If you receive a book tied with tape, do not cut it. If you cannot retie it correctly ask a member of staff to do this. If you cannot re-wrap a book in a box or paper case staff will attend to this. If a book has uncut pages ask the duty librarian to see that it is opened for you.
Pencils must be used at all times. Lecterns or reading cushions are available for handling large, fragile, and early printed books. HANDLING PHOTOGRAPHS Careful handling of photographs is important as they are easily damaged and many of the prints in our collections are unique and irreplaceable. Some of them already show signs of overuse. Please help us to avoid further damage by following these simple guidelines. READERS ARE REQUESTED TO Make sure you wear the gloves provided by the Library & Archive staff. Your hands should be clean and dry. Do not touch the surface of the prints with your bare hands. Be gentle when you remove and put back the photographs into their envelope. Do not use force. Do not use any kind of pen near the photographs. Do not put objects on top of the photographs. Do not put writing materials on top of the photographs, or write whilst leaning on top of the photographs. Do not attempt to flatten them or touch them with: adhesive tape, paper clips, or rubber bands.
Pencils must be used at all times. If the photographs are tightly packed and difficult to put back in the envelope please return them loose and inform the member of staff on duty.
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