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Libraries and Learning Skills

Special Collections

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Book Handling

A special collection is held separately from the main collection to maintain its integrity, for reference only. Material must be handled and read with particular care and under supervision.

Careful handling can prevent unnecessary damage to the structure of the book, firstly by removing it gently, never putting your finger on the top of the spine and pulling it towards you.

 

A member of staff will be available to assist. 

 

Correct Handling

  • If there is sufficient room place your hand on top of the book and pull it delicately forwards holding the top edge of the boards.
  • Alternatively, if the books are tightly shelved carefully push back the two books on either side, grasp the book in the middle (waist) and pull it gently forwards. If the book refuses to move, place two fingers on the top of both boards about 2 inches back from the spine and gently pull forwards with your other hand around the waist of the book. Support heavy items with the other hand underneath.
  • Most books should only be opened at a maximum of 120° but tight bindings will suffer damage to their spines if opened beyond 90°.
  • Use book supports, sponges or cushions if the binding is fragile or pre 1801.
 

Illuminated old bookImage: The Cathedral Librarian, Julie Taylor, holding MS 247 14th century psalter

 

 

 

 

Old book with spine damageImage: An example of book damage caused by repeated mishandling

  • Gloves are not required (unless handling photographs), as they can be as dirty as fingers and inhibit dexterity, which may result in tearing. Freshly washed and dry hands are all that is required. Please touch the items around the edges, without placing fingers directly over any text or illustration. 

Collections Care

Pencils only must be used in Special Collections, as any ink residue can obscure text. Use acid- and lignin-free paper as a temporary bookmark, never leave inserts especially post-it notes inside special collections, as the latter causes lasting damage with sticky residues.

Loose boards and dilapidated spines can be secured with archival tape, tied top and bottom for stability and tied behind the text block (page not spine side) with a knot tied right over left so it follows the direction of the spine, as shown in the image to the right.

Where the volume is very dilapidated a phase box can be made. Conservation students made the ones in the image below right.

 

Old book with loose boards and dilapidated spine secured with archival tape tied at the top and bottom for stability and lying on a book cushion for support

Image: Old book with loose boards and dilapidated spine secured with archival tape tied at the top and bottom for stability and lying on a book cushion for support

 

Spines of the Cornhill Magazine from 1898-99 showing varying states of disrepair

Image: Spines of the Cornhill Magazine from 1898-99 showing varying states of disrepair.

 

Image of spines of the Cornhill Magazine vol. 46-47, 49-51 1919-1921 after taping and phase box attention by Conservation students.

Image: Spines of the Cornhill Magazine vol. 46-47, 49-51 1919-1921 after taping and phase box attention by Conservation students.