Collections
Wear and Tear
Most of the damage caused to books can be avoided through careful handling.
- The incorrect way to remove a book from a shelf
The manner in which staff and readers use Library items has an effect on the collections. Through constant (unintentional) miss-use, it is easy to destroy a book, a photograph or a map etc. As a result, conservation awareness training is an important part of the work undertaken by the Library’s Collection Care Department.
Guidelines to avoid wear and tear
A book should never be pulled from a shelf by the top of its spine. This will result in the spine breaking free from the rest of the volume, especially if the material is fragile and if the books are too tight on the shelf.
- The correct way to remove a book from a shelf
In order to get hold of a book, the volumes either side should be pushed gently towards the back of the shelf. The chosen book can then be held by the middle of its covers without straining the spine and binding. Whilst reading, a book cradle should be used to support fragile volumes.
As with dirty hands, food and drink can obviously damage books, and can attract infestations. Even clean fingers can damage objects by releasing fatty acids, and therefore with rare volumes and especially photographs, the wearing of cotton gloves is advisable.
Archival quality boxes will protect items from becoming brittle due to the damaging effects of light. They also create a more stable microclimate, and will protect items from accidental damage.
