CARE%20AND%20HANDLING%20OF%20LIBRARY%20MATERIALS

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CARE AND HANDLING OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

• Guidance for Library Users

Prepared by Preservation and Imaging Department
of the Harvard College Library Weissman
Preservation Center of the Harvard University
Library 2007
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Library User Responsibilities

• Handle library materials carefully.
• Safeguard library materials forfuture users.

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Always handle library materials with clean, dry
hands.
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Never pull a headcap.
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Remove a book from the shelf by pushing back the
books on either side, so you can grasp it in the
middle.
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Please support book spinesand covers when
holdingbooks open.
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Keep work surfaces cleanand uncluttered.
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Please do not dog ear a page.
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Do use bookmarks that are thin, clean,
non-acidic, and will notdamage or distort
bindings.
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Do not mark or highlight library materials.
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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 bandson library materials.
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Never force a book open.
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Photocopy gently.
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Do not expose library materials to water, which
can cause deformation and staining
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Please use Rainy Day Bagsto protect library
materials.
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If library materials get wet, please return them
to the library IMMEDIATELY.
Time Matters!
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Please avoid eating and drinking near library
materials. This can attract vermin and insects.
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If you damage library materials, dont attempt to
repair them yourself. Please return them to
the library as soon as possible.
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Thank you for helping us take care of
Harvards collections.