Preservation Guidelines for Smathers Library and Special Collections Items

• Only use pencils around books--encourage other employees to use only pencils.
• Avoid anything sticky--like tape or sticky notes--when working with books.  Encourage other employees in similar work practices.
• Only eat in break rooms and conference rooms away from collection items.  Encourage other employees to not eat around collection items.
• If you see a pest problem, the library will have to call EH&S to get traps and spraying.  Contact preservation later about the issue.
• If you see a researcher stealing or vandalizing an item, you will need to stop them and/or call UPD for assistance.
• If you see researchers/students bringing in any food you will need to remind them that food is not allowed in the Smathers Library or any area in the circulating libraries where there are special collections.  Employees and student employees can only eat in break rooms and/or conference rooms.

• If an item is damaged before or after research use.
• If items are damaged via vandalism and/or theft.
• If items cannot stand up on their own on the shelf (items less than 50 pages).
• If items need an envelope for errata or extra media (a CD for example).

Take Conservation's training on circulation repair and special collection housing for more information.

• If you need to contact facilities for any environment-related problem like fluctuations in temperature and/or humidity.
• If you need to contact facilities for any bug/pest-related issue.
• If you need to contact facilities for a lighting/window issue that is damaging collection items.

• If you see mold or the evidence of pests.
• If a water or other damaging event is happening in the libraries.