Proper Handling Guidelines for Materials
Please contact a library or archives staff member if you have any questions regarding the handling, use, or reproduction of materials.
Use pencils only.
- Do not make any marks, erasures, or any other changes in the documents.
- Do not write on top of the materials.
Handle all items with care.
- All items must remain on the table while being used. No items may be placed in the lap or propped against the table.
- Use book cradles that are assigned by library staff.
- Place nothing on top of Collection materials; do not write on, alter, lean on, fold anew, or trace materials.
- Turn pages slowly and carefully, touching only the margins if possible.
- Do not remove documents from their Mylar sleeves.
- Wear cotton gloves when working with photographic materials.
- Remove materials from boxes and open folders to use documents.
Do not disturb the order of archival materials.
- Keep all collections in their existing order and arrangement.
- Notify library staff if you suspect any errors; do not address errors on your own.
- Maintain the sequence of folders within the box.
- Maintain the sequence within the folder; pages will stay in order if turned like the pages of a book.
- Folder contents should be aligned properly as you move through them; do not shake down the contents.
- If you need anything duplicated, use the forms available from library staff, and follow instructions on the worksheet.
Duplication
- All photocopying is subject to the approval of the Archivist or the Dean of Learning Resources and Special Collections.
- Only library or archives staff are permitted to copy materials from manuscript boxes.
- Only library or archives staff are permitted to copy photographic materials.
- No items may be removed from the Collection for self-service copying without the approval of the Archivist or the Dean.
- Maps, newspapers, and other materials larger than 11" x 17" will not be copied.