Proper Care and Handling of the Libraries' Books
You can help to preserve books by properly handling them. If you follow the practices describe below, you will help ensure that books in the University of Maryland Libraries will be available for future students and researchers.
DO:
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... protect books from both indoor and outdoor environmental elements. Before going out in the rain or snow, protect your books in a bag, briefcase or backpack. Never place a book in direct sunlight or on a radiator heater.
... properly support a volume during use and during photocopying. Hold a book so that the pages are not forced to open beyond what is necessary to comfortably read the book. Forcing a book to open beyond this point can cause structural damage by breaking the spine.
... treat all books with brittle paper with extreme care. Some brittle books cannot be photocopied since stress on the pages during copying may cause permanent damage and loss of text.
... keep items that accompany archival materials, such as file folders and boxes, with them at all times.
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DO NOT:
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- ... mark in library books with pencils, pens, or highlighters.
- ... remove a book by hooking your finger over the (top) endcap and pulling.
When removing a book from its shelf, first gently push back the volumes on either side, then grasp the desired volume and slide it carefully off the shelf.
- ... bring food or drink into the Libraries' book stacks. Food remnants attract pests that attack the books.
- ... force a book into a space that is too small or tight for it. Instead, place it on an available reshelving truck or shelf.
- ... fold pages to mark your place in a volume, put Scotch tape, Post-It notes, or paper clips into a volume, or leave bookmarks in books.
- ... attempt to open uncut pages in a book. Instead, please consult a staff member for assistance.
- ... lay books open face-down, or use harmful bookmarks such as pencils, rulers, or other books. Broken spines and torn pages are the result of such treatment.
- ... place books on the floor or use them as a makeshift writing surface, seat, or step stool. Always use one of the step stools located in the stacks or ask a staff member if you need assistance.
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