Etiquette While in The Doy
Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library A Guide to Patron Participation in the
Preservation of Archival Material
Applying Pressure to Documents:
Documents are fragile. They should not be used for support or as
writing tables. Rather, researchers should take care not to apply pressure to archival
documents.
Applying Pressure to Documents:
Using an instrument to trace directly over documents can
score and stain them. Instead, researchers should place another sheet of paper on the
document and lightly trace with a soft pencil.
Material Left in Light:
Exposure to bright sunlight and other indoor lighting results in
discoloration and embrittlement of paper and fading of ink. Researchers should close up
boxes during extended absenses.
Propped Books:
Propping books against table edges can seriously damage fragile
bindings. Instead, researchers should lay books flat on the table or use a book stand to
prop them up.
