Guidelines for microform handling

This is from the National Library of Canada Preservation Procedures:
Handling of Microforms:  Use of White Gloves  Interlibrary Loan Requests

    "The National Library has put in place its Preservation Policy to
    ensure the preservation of the collection materials entrusted to its
    care.  The Library has been made aware that when handling
    microforms without gloves, oils and salts from the skin are
    deposited onto the microforms.  These deposits can etch into the
    surface causing irreparable damage.  Fingerprints have also been
    observed to produce a reaction with silver microforms which could
    over time result in a loss of text.  In addition, the oils and
    moisture from the skin attract dust and dirt and can become
    potential breeding grounds for mold.

    As a result, the Library has instituted special procedures for the
    handling of microforms.  As of May 1, 1991, all National Library
    staff and users of National Library materials must wear white,
    cotton, lintless gloves while handling microforms.

    Therefore the National Library is asking other libraries to put into
    practice these preservation measures.  To assist us, we ask you to
    provide your staff and users with white, cotton, lintless gloves
    while handling our microform material.

    You may find a list of suppliers of white cotton gloves in the
    yellow pages. The suppliers may be listed under gloves, conservation
    suppliers, medical suppliers, scientific suppliers or photographic
    stores.

    Thank you for your assistance in prolonging the life of library
    collections."

At least one library is recycling their white gloves by donating them to
their local Salvation Army where they are used by the various musical
bands.

Michaelle Biddle
Wesleyan University
Middletown, Ct. 

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 7:34
                Distributed: Wednesday, October 20, 1993
                        Message Id: cdl-7-34-001
                                  ***