Guide to Book Care

Removing a book from a shelf
Grasp it by the spine about halfway down. If a book is too tightly shelved to remove easily, gently push back books on either side for a better grasp, or loosen the bookend to relax the pressure on tightly shelved books.

Opening a book carefully
Careless opening of a new or tight book will crack its spine, permanently damaging the book's structure. Open books slowly and carefully on a flat surface.

Handling books with care
Dropping a book results in broken corners and weakened hinges. A book dropped on wet pavement can absorb enough moisture to mildew when returned to a warm environment. Repair of such damage is time-consuming and costly.

Objects in books
Pens and pencils used as bookmarks damage the book's binding. Paper clips cause significant damage by rusting and creating a weak spot in the paper. Please use paper bookmarks.

Folded pages
When a reader folds pages or corners of pages as a placemark, the paper is weakened. Eventually the paper will tear along the fold. Please use paper bookmarks.

Pens and markers
Ink bleeds and can obliterate text. Please do not mark, underline, or highlight in library books or periodicals.

Photocopying
Forcing a book or periodical face down bends the binding and corners. If paper in a volume is brittle it will break at stress points. The problem is made worse by the familiar practice of pressing books flat for better copies. Please use photocopy machines according to instructions on the machines.

Insects and rodents
Insects and rodents eat paper and the glue in bindings. Because it attracts pests, library policy prohibits food to minimize that damage. Drink is allowed only in spill-proof containers such as sports bottles or travel beverage mugs. If a spill occurs, please contact library staff immediately to minimize damage.

Smoking
Smoking presents a hazard to library materials. Please observe the University policy prohibiting smoking in the library.

Reshelving books
Library staff members are trained in proper shelving techniques. Leave books on booktrucks or study tables. Please do not reshelve books.

Library bookdrops
A book can be damaged when deposited in the bookdrop. Please bring your books into the library and use the bookdrops only when the library is closed.

Damaged books
Please tell Access Services Desk staff about damaged books. Library staff members are trained in proper book repair. Special materials are used which do not further damage the books. Please do not try to tape damaged books yourself.