Manual handling

I always thought that with working in a few libraries, that my handling skills of library material was pretty good. However, I attended a training session and was totally schooled. So I have decided to share a few things that I neglected, learnt and should be re-enforced within libraries, especially those with special collections. 

Library ground rules

First and foremost, as a student I always thought that the whole idea of not bringing food and drink into a library made sense. However, students never really understood what the big deal was with water. After all, it will dry, right? Not much damage done but a few rippled pages but still perfectly readable, right? I suppose quite a lot of students think this way, especially when studying for exams and not wanting to leave the one reference copy for idle eyes to see, so the only opinion was to sneek a quick sip or bite. Oh, just how naive!

Eating food in the library is a huge problem for conservationists as grease and leftover food can stick pages together and create marks. This is not only expensive and difficult to remove but also not very aesthetically pleasing to the next user. Drinks when spilt can immediate stain books but water can also be an issue as some illustrations can be water soluble and therefore completely destroy it. A lot of libraries also let users have pens but ink can be detrimental because of the fact that they smudge, then spread and cover materials. How annoyed would you be if the item you requested ions ago, has a ink smudge over the only page of value to you? Truly pissed I would say.

Handling 101

Much of the damage that books, archives and artworks sustain is due to bad handlings. For example, when retrieving books from the shelves it is fundamental that you do not remove the book from the spine as (contrary to thought) it is the weakest part of the book. I bet a number of you have seen broken spines, missing covers etc and this is the reason why.

• Simply push back the adjacent books and then reach over the top of the book and push from the back to bring the book forward. 
• The gaps formed from removing the book should be closed and supported by bookends. Nothing is more miserable to see than a book that has been left to lean against another and has formed a memory (distortion) to not stand up at 90 degrees. 
• Lastly, if the book has clasps, metal fitting and cover flaps, don't just try and force it back into a gap that it cannot fit into, you will only damage the covers of the adjacent books and consequently need to repair them. Thus wasting precious money.    

Archive TLC

Unlike books, archive materials are usually a collection of loose sheets, letters, photographs etc. As staples cause rust over time and discolour the paper, the documents are usually bounded in folders. However, you can imagine if not carried carefully at 45 degrees, how quick a disaster of a floor scattered with paper can be. 

• Single sheet items should be supported with either museum board or blotter paper as melinex or archival paper folders are not strong enough to act as support.
• To avoid damage to original copies or fragile items try using a surrogate e.g. facsimile.
• If damaged however, house the item in a pocket of Melinex and trim on side to allow access (if needs be).  However, never use this method if the item is damp or mouldy.

Artworks/Illustrations add on

One of the most important things that applies to both archives and illustrations is to NEVER turn the item over and lay it on the face of a support surface e.g. the table or board. Immediate damage could be caused. 

• Carry framed works towards you with the vertical side up to check that the artwork has not moved.
• Mounted work should have one hand beneth and checked to ensure the mount is still attached to the back board.
• Also use foam blocks to support any artwork whether on a flat surface or leaning against a wall. 

Good luck handling those materials!