Special Collections materials - due to their value, rarity or uniqueness - need special care when handling to make sure they remain in good condition. Some of our materials may not look fragile or even very old but they could be irreplaceable.
Repeated poor handling of these materials can gradually reduce their natural life. However, by following our handling tips, you can help us to slow down this process, so that these materials can be accessed for research and enjoyment now and in the future - potentially until the end of time!
Our collections include rare books, archives, and manuscripts. In this guide, we look at how to handle these different types of materials to prepare you for using our collections.