Special Collections: Handling Archives and Rare Books

Different kinds of materials will require different handling. To prepare you for anything you might encounter during a Reading Room visit, read our top tips in the pages below for handling volumes, papers, photographic materials, audiovisual materials, and large materials.

Three general tips for handling all Special Collections materials are:

• Always wash your hand with soap and water before getting started.
• Handle items as little as possible and only by the blank parts (paper-based materials) or edges (photographic and audiovisual materials).
• Accidents often only happen when rushing! When handling materials, always try to do this as gently and slowly as possible to minimise any risk of damage.