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How to Handle Rare Materials
- By rare materials we mean books pamphlets, volumes, music, maps, and broadsides, to name a few
- Handle rare materials as little as possible.
- Use common sense: if you think what you’re about to do might hurt the item, DON’T DO IT!
- Most books should be stored upright, supported with a bookend. Large books should be stored horizontally. Never store a book with the spine up. Storage with the spine down is acceptable only if absolutely necessary (e.g. because of space).
- Don’t pull on the book’s spine when removing it from the shelf.
- Support an open book. If it’s necessary to hold open a page use the appropriate materials. Book frogs and snakes (bean bag type materials) as well as book cradles are available. Close the book when you’re not working on it.
- Be careful of the hinges, they are the most fragile part of a book.
- Leather bindings snag easily. Be careful with jewelry and watches!
- Never use a rare book or pamphlet as a writing surface.
- Turn pages slowly and carefully. Be especially careful of corners and brittle paper.
- Don’t put miscellaneous items such as cataloging records, flags, etc., in books. If you must put such items in books, place them in the center of the text block, and don’t jam them into the gutter margin.
- Never use paper clips or rubber bands with rare materials.
- Do not write in rare materials unless specifically assigned by supervisor. Close nearby pens and white-out bottles. Always use pencils when working around rare materials.
- Never eat or drink around rare materials. Wash your hands after you eat or drink before returning to work.