Exhibits Caring for the Library's Collection Library materials are available for use by all students, faculty and staff. It is important that you be aware that there are certain ways that you can use these materials that will significantly prolong their shelf life. Following is a list of things to remember when handling library materials. Handle books with clean hands.
Fingerprints are often indelible.
Alternately, place an index finger firmly on the head of the text block and tip the book out. Yanking at the top of the binding eventually ruins the spine covering. Do not turn down the corners of pages to mark your place. The creases will be permanent and, if the paper is brittle, the corner will break away with one fold. Laying a book face down to mark your place weakens the binding and can soil pages.