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.
Workspace
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.
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Use flat cotton tape to
secure damaged books.
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Do not use post-it notes,
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paperclips,
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pressure sensitive tape,
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or rubber bands
in conjunction with library
materials.
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Please do not use double-sided
security strips, as they will cause
pages to stick together.
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If necessary, you may place a
single-sided security strip deep
into the gutter of the text block.
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Support book spines and covers
when holding books open.
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or stamping.
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Use bookmarks that are thin,
clean, non-acidic, and will not
damage or distort bindings.
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.