1. 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

2. 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.

3. Always handle library materials with clean, dry hands. Workspace

4. Keep work surfaces clean and uncluttered. Workspace

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

6. Avoid tall piles of books that can topple over. Workspace

7. Use flat cotton tape to secure damaged books. Processing

8. Do not use post-it notes, Processing

9. paperclips, Processing

10. pressure sensitive tape, Processing

11. or rubber bands in conjunction with library materials. Processing

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

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

14. Support book spines and covers when holding books open. Processing

15. or stamping. Processing

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

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

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

19. Use Rainy Day Bags on Rainy Days.

20. Thank you for taking care of Harvard’s collections.