Caring for Books and Works on Paper
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Preventive care begins with careful handling and suitable storage. The Library of Congress provides practical guidance for books and works on paper.
Handle with support
Use clean, dry hands for paper-based materials. Support a book’s binding and pages, and do not force a restricted opening flat. Keep food and drinks away from the work area. Fragile pages and loose sheets need particular care.
Store thoughtfully
Choose a stable environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources and damp. Fragile books can benefit from protective enclosures. Support portfolios and loose works so that edges are not crushed or bent. Check stored material periodically for changes.
Keep treatment decisions separate
Do not treat household tape, cleaning or rebinding as routine maintenance for a significant copy. Consult a qualified conservator about damage or proposed treatment, and retain information about existing repairs.
These are general habits; the construction and condition of a particular object may call for different handling. Follow the restrictions in its condition report.
Further reading: Library of Congress: Handling Your Books; Storing Your Books; Works on Paper.
Questions about a particular copy? Email breethingbooks@gmail.com with the title and the detail you would like to see.
For examples with different handling needs, compare the catalog descriptions and photographs of the bound Trianon Press Blake and the loose Inge Morath photographic portfolio. Browse Rare Books and Prints & Portfolios; check the condition of each copy before deciding how to handle it.