CARE AND HANDLING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS Training for library staff Prepared by Preservation and Imaging Department of the Harvard College Library Weissman Preservation Center of the Harvard University Library 2007

Staff Responsibilities Handle library materials gently. Set a good example for all library users. Notice the condition of materials and report damage to an appropriate staff member.

Always handle library materials with clean, dry hands. Workspace

Keep work surfaces clean and uncluttered. Workspace

Do not eat in work areas. This will attract vermin and insects. Workspace

Avoid tall piles of books that can topple over. Workspace

Use flat cotton tape to secure damaged books. Processing

Do not use post-it notes, Processing

paperclips, Processing

pressure sensitive tape, Processing

or rubber bands in conjunction with library materials. Processing

Please do not use double-sided security strips, as they will cause pages to stick together. Processing

If necessary, you may place a single-sided security strip deep into the gutter of the text block. Processing

Support book spines and covers when holding books open. Processing

or stamping. Processing

Use bookmarks that are thin, clean, non-acidic, and will not damage or distort bindings. Processing

Avoid exposing library materials to harmful environments. High light levels can cause book covers to fade.

Avoid exposing library materials to harmful environments. Water can cause deformation, cockling, and staining.

Use Rainy Day Bags on Rainy Days.

Thank you for taking care of Harvard’s collections.