Shelving
Good shelving practices can prevent a lot of unnecessary damage to library books. Follow these guidelines for proper shelving:
- Shelve books vertically and upright.
- Shelve a volume so that the books on either side gently support it, or use appropriately sized bookends.
- Avoid shelving too loosely.
- Avoid overcrowding shelves.
- If a book is slightly taller than the shelf, shelve the book spine down, so that the spine is touching the shelf.
These books have been shelved properly.
Examples of Bad Shelving
| Example | What is Wrong |  |
These books are not supported and need bookends. The paperbacks are getting warped and may be permanently damaged. |
|---|---|
 |
The books on the bottom shelf are hanging over the edge and are getting bumped by the step stool. They should be stacked neater or placed on the shelf vertically and upright. |
 |
These books are not being supported by bookends. The thin paper pamphlet is getting crushed and distorted by the heavier books. This shelf needs bookends to support the books. |
 |
This shelf has a book end, but it is not supporting the books properly. It is cutting into the books and causing damage. It should be pushed against the books so that it is supportive. |
All of these examples of book damage caused by poor shelving are preventable!
Look around your work area. How do the shelves look? If you need bookends, tell your supervisor or contact the Preservation Department.
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