Handling documents

Practical advice for safe document handling

• make sure your hands are clean and dry - wetting fingers (to turn pages) must be avoided
• for heavy or outsize documents staff are available to help with moving the items to and from the issue desk – just ask if you need help
• place documents securely onto the table - do not let documents overhang the edges of the table
• heavy volumes should not be placed on top of other documents/ maps
• book support cushions are available to support bound volumes
• do not force a volume to lie flat or leave it open face downwards - book support cushions and leather weights are available from staff
• for a rolled document leather weights can be placed at both ends of the document for support
• do not fold, crease or bend any document – care should be taken when turning pages or unfolding documents
• if pages are stuck together talk to a member of staff - don't try to free or prise apart pages that are stuck together
• pencils only must be used around documents - pens or typing correction fluid must not be used
• take care not to mark a book or document; do not lean on a book or document; do not place the paper on which you are writing onto a book or document
• If paper clips, pins or staples are attached to documents do not try to remove them
• if documents are held in clear protective sleeves do not remove them
• take care when removing or replacing documents in envelopes
• don't re-arrange loose papers
• gather the document bundles together with care - don't tie document tape too tightly around bundles
• hold photographic negatives carefully, do not flex/ bend photographic negatives and prints and do not touch them, except at the edges 
• take care when loading and removing microfilms
• documents must not be removed from the Reading Rooms or taken out of the building
• report any document missing or in a fragile condition