CARE AND HANDLING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

Guidance for Library Users

Prepared byPreservation and Imaging Department of the Harvard College Library

Weissman Preservation Center of the Harvard University Library2007

Library User Responsibilities

• Handle library materials carefully.

• Safeguard library materials forfuture users.

Always handle library materials with clean, dry hands.

Never pull a headcap.

Remove a book from the shelf by pushing back the books on either side,

so you can grasp it in the middle.

Please support book spinesand covers when holding

books open.

Keep work surfaces cleanand uncluttered.

Please do not “dog ear” a page.

Do use bookmarks that are thin, clean, non-acidic, and will notdamage or distort bindings.

Do not mark or highlight library

materials.

Do not use post-it notes,

paperclips,

pressure sensitive tape,

or rubber bandson library materials.

Never force a book open.

Photocopy gently.

Do not expose library materials to water, which can cause

deformation and staining

Please use Rainy Day Bagsto protect library materials.

If library materials get wet, please return them to the library

IMMEDIATELY.

Time Matters!

Please avoid eating and drinking near library materials. This can

attract vermin and insects.

If you damage library materials, don’t attempt to repair them

yourself.

Please return them to the library as soon as possible.

Thank you for helping us take care of

Harvard’s collections.