Introduction
Taking care of collections through proper handling is crucial for the continued preservation of those collections for present and future use – and it’s the responsibility of all users. The organic materials from which many books are composed, such as leather, vellum and paper, naturally degrade over time but degradation can be accelerated by physical and environmental factors.
Poor handling is one of the main external causes of damage and deterioration to a collection. Damage is cumulative; it can lead to creases, tears, staining and, eventually, loss. To help all users care for our collections, we are making the following information and advice available to them.