Preserving Columbias Library Materials Part 2 What this

Preserving Columbia’s Library Materials Part 2

What this presentation covers Part 1: Why materials deteriorate. Part 2: Shelving materials carefully. Part 3: Handling materials carefully. Part 4: Identifying and preventing damage.

Library staff are the front line of defense - • Responsible for setting a good example for students and faculty. • Responsible for disaster prevention. • Responsible for keeping collections available through correct shelving, handling, and maintenance.

Correct shelving • One of the most important ways that library staff can prevent damage and set a good example for patrons. • Volumes are keep upright and neat on the shelf.

Poor shelving Correct shelving

Use Bookends • Support each shelf with a bookend. • Push it in firmly, but not too tight, so that books can be easily removed.

Lack of bookends can cause permanent damage due to lack of proper support.

Tall books are a problem.

Shelve tall books spine down.

If oversized books are too large, they stick out and cause accidents in the stacks.

• Shelve very large books flat. • If possible, pile them no more than 2 -3 high so patrons can take them off the shelf easily.

Book trucks • Follow the same rules as for book shelves. • Don’t pile books on top of trucks -- they crush the lower books and fall off easily.

Wrong use of book truck

Correct use of book truck • Nothing piled on top. • Everything standing up straight. • Large items lie flat.

Pulling books in the stacks • Pulling books off the shelf by grabbing the top of the spine (the head cap) can cause the spine to tear. • Remove a book from the shelf by pushing its neighbors back slightly and then grasping it firmly in the middle.

Pulling books the wrong way: Doing this……Causes this.

Push the neighbors in. … Pull out the book you want.

Books in folders or boxes Make sure that all strings are tied and velcro straps are closed so the book won’t fall out.

Work areas matter • Books can be damaged if library staff are careless during processing. • High piles can easily fall over -- use shelves or book trucks. • Keep piles low.

Work areas can cause damage.

Put larger items on the bottom for stability. Don’t squash small items -- unlike this person.

Set a good example. • Preventing damage is a big part of preservation. • Every library staff member sets an example for colleagues and patrons. • What sort of example are you setting?

Is this your work area?

Slide show continues. Go on to Part 3: Handling materials carefully. If you have questions, send email to gertz@columbia. edu.