In the case of volumes with color plates or unusual bindings, more extensive methods of preservation may be employed in addition. Color plates may be manually deacidified and encapsulated in clear, inert plastic film to allow continued use. A volume with a significant binding may be placed in a custom-fitted box after imaging to protect it for as long as possible. The decision on how to preserve each brittle, unrepairable volume is made by the bibliographer responsible for its subject area in consultation with staff from the Libraries' Preservation Division. When appropriate, the bibliographer also consults with relevant faculty members.
Every effort is made to ensure that the most suitable preservation method is applied.
In general this means that the preferred treatment for a damaged volume is rebinding or repair. When a volume is structurally unsound and too brittle to repair, the Libraries will try to locate a non-brittle paper copy, reprint, or later edition. Imaging is normally the last alternative. Identification of brittle volumes involves library staff, faculty, and other library patrons. Library patrons who use damaged volumes should bring them to the attention of the library staff.