Handling

Thank you to all who replied to my query about handling issues
(Conservation DistList Instance: 14:29 Monday, November 20, 2000)

I've summarised the replies (which came from the V&A, the Newberry
Library and the National Library of Scotland) below. The general
consensus was: 'be pragmatic.'

Re: Use of cotton gloves for reader handling

Disadvantages of cotton gloves:

    *   Potentially abrasive for paper and media (esp.
        illuminations).
    *   Increased risk of clumsy handling.
    *   Risk of transferring dirt on gloves back to paper/parchment
        support.

Due to the above (or in spite of), suggestions for the handling of
various materials were as follows:

    Illuminated MSS and paper
        non powdered nitrile gloves (latex may contain sulphur),
        clean hands or cotton gloves.

    Metal
        non powdered nitrile gloves or cotton gloves (sometimes in
        combination with 'plastic' gloves for personal protection
        against lead).

    Photographic
        (lintless) cotton gloves or clean hands.

    Parchment
        latex gloves or clean hands. Paper--latex gloves or clean
        hands.

One person also recommended using latex gloves to protect sensitive
users when handling items with (inactive) mould.

Re: Book supports in the Reading Room

Most agreed that making distinctions about which books to support
based solely on age or materials is fairly arbitrary.  Instead
issues of "value," fragility or particular vulnerability (e.g. less
than 180 degree angle of opening i.e. most books) should dictate
whether or not a support is introduced.

The Clarkson foam supports appear to be standard but in addition,
the Newberry Library often use a book 'futon', a pad whose ends can
be rolled and secured with velcro for support as required.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply, it was appreciated.

Sharon Connell
Conservation Unit
Brotherton Library
University of Leeds
Leeds LS2 9JT
England
+44 113 233 6375


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:33
                 Distributed: Monday, December 18, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-14-33-002
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