Handling the Collections

Special Collections and University Archives contain unique, irreplaceable, one of a kind, materials and therefore need to be handled with tender care. Older primary source material will wilt, stain and crumble when touched by human hands. Moreover, the natural oil in human skin leaves a lasting mark on older papers.

In order to protect and preserve the oldest of these materials archival gloves need to be worn when handling them.

The manuscript collections need to be laid flat on the library table and viewed one item at a time.

To retain a collections organization you will be asked to follow the "one box, one folder rule." That is to say, only one box of materials is placed on the table at a time, and only one folder at a time is removed from the box for review.

All archival facilities request staff and patrons to use pencil to avoid unwanted, permanent blemishes on materials from ink or marking pens.

All food and drink is especially forbidden because of possible spillage and irreversible damage to collections.

Many of our materials are sensitive to exposure to heat and light. In some cases the mere act of photocopying some materials increases the rate of paper's deterioration. Patrons should only request copies of materials when absolutely necessary and because of the special techniques necessary only Department staff may make the copies.

Finally, to preserve our unique materials for future researchers the collections do not circulate.