Talk with housekeeping staff if there are problems in your area. Spilled food and drink disfigures materials and encourages insect and rodent infestations. Policies limiting or banning food and drink in libraries help to minimize this problem. Remember that staff act as role models for the library users. Handle books with clean hands.
Fingerprints are often indelible.
If you are handling dirty books, wash hands often or wear gloves. Do not shelve library materials on or close to heating and cooling vents. The extreme changes in temperature can cause damage. Ultra-violet rays present in these two forms of light can accelerate the chemical deterioration of paper and fade cloth covers. Make sure that books in your work area and in the stacks are shelved upright or are lying flat.