Rare Books and Special Collections

Few people have much experience with handling rare books. But the basics are easy to master and success mostly requires patience and physical care. Follow these basic points:

1. Books. There are two things you have to care for, the book's paper and its binding.

2. Paper is usually the more durable of the two except for the period of acidic paper which was at its height from about 1850 to 1950 but can effect books from the 1400's until now. If the paper is browning or very thin or shows signs of flaking, handle with extreme care. Otherwise handle with care. Move the individual page or group of pages from the top right or left-hand corner of the text block.

3. Bindings hold the text block together but over time the glue, leather, paper, cloth and string become fragile or wear out. The two weakest points of bindings are the hinges where the boards are attached to the spine and the spine itself. Both are subject to cracking. To preserve a binding the basic technique is to open the book as little as you can and to support the spine and boards so that they will not be required to flex. For larger books we have foam supports that will keep the book stable. Smaller books may be safer if held carefully in your hand, at a 90 degree angle of opening. Close the book if it is not in use.

4. White Gloves Some rare book libraries ask their patrons to use white gloves when handling rare books to keep natural skin oils away from the books. Some do not since gloves make the hands clumsy. Here we use the no glove policy with the occasional exception. It is important for your hands to be clean before you handle our materials.

5. Do Not. Do not place the book face, (i.e. text side), down. Do not trace or make rubbings from rare materials, mark them in any way or erase any marks. Do not use pens to make your notes, use pencil instead. Do not fold tear or cut documents. Do not use paper clips, fasteners, tape, "post it" notes or rubber bands.

6. Circulation. No material circulates, so all material must be used in the Reading Room.

7. Registration. Each person using RBSC materials must fill out a reference card on her/his first visit, and on succeeding visits as requested. A request slip for each book must also be filled out.

8. Eating and Drinking. Eating and drinking is prohibited in the Reading Room.

9. Publication. Permission from the Library must be obtained before any material from RBSC can be published.

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Our staff will be glad to help you learn these simple preservation techniques. Please request assistance if you need it.