Skip to Main Content

Handling

How to handle books at the Warburg Institute Library

Handling books: general dos and don'ts

General Dos and Don’ts 

The following guidelines should be adhered to when consulting any books in the Library, with particular relevance for books published before 1900:

Handling Books 

  • Ensure you have enough desk space for the item(s) you are consulting. 
  • Have clean hands.  
  • Don’t trace documents/images.  
  • Don’t lick your fingers to turn a page.  
  • Don’t lean on books (open or closed) when writing.  
  • When finished, place books upright on reshelving trolleys. 
  • Do not pile books up.  

If something is damaged or falling apart, hand it in to staff at the Enquiries’ Desk. 

The paper of many older books is now brittle. This may split or tear when turned, unfolded or dropped.  

Repeated opening and closing over many years can lead to loose spines or boards.     

We understand that this can happen, particularly with fragile books. You will not get in trouble. Just let us know.  

Why?  

This reduces the risk of mechanical damage – shock, vibration, and gravity. Dirty hands can mark the page. Cosmetics can transfer on to collection items. Leaning on items can damage fragile materials (even if they don’t appear fragile at first glance).  

Materials  

  • Don’t use sharp implements. 
  • Don’t attach sticky notes or use slips of paper to mark the pages. 
  • When working on rare books or archival material, use a pencil only.  
  • Don’t use paper clips, pins or any other metal or plastic markers.  
  • Don’ t fold the corners of pages.  

 

Why?  

These types of page marker risk tearing paper or leaving residue.