Circulation of brittle books

At Morris Library, when we identify a brittle book at the circulation
desk, it is routed to the Conservation Lab for evaluation. If the
textblock is intact and the pages can be turned without immediate
damage, we make a phase box for the book and allow it to circulate to
the current patron. This operation is handled on a rush basis (24 hour
turn around time). If the patron can't wait 24 hours, we attach a wrap
around note on the front cover warning the patron about the fragile
condition of the book and asking that the book be routed to the
Conservation Lab upon return. If the textblock is not intact, we process
it through the routine brittle book procedures (search for national
holdings, microfilm, etc., determine its significance to the local
collection, make treatment decision, etc.). If the patron needs the book
immediately, we try to persuade them to use the book in the Conservation
Lab. If that is not possible, we allow the book to circulate in a box
with a warning about the condition of the book. The later very rarely
happens. If possible, we will provide an alternative format, different
edition, etc. from our collection. All of the research into other
editions, etc. is handled in the Preservation Unit. Negotiation with the
patron is generally handled by the Circulation staff.

Susan Jacobs
Preservation Unit
Library Affairs, SIUC

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                   Conservation DistList Instance 8:7
                  Distributed: Thursday, July 14, 1994
                        Message Id: cdl-8-7-004
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