Handle with Care

The book you take out today may be gone in only 5 years!

The maximum life span of a modern book is about 100 years; a heavily used volume may last only 5 years.

Factors destroying modern books include: high use, improper handling, cheap manufacturing, and poor environmental conditions. Books are not as strong as they look, and even minor misuse adds up to major damage. Much of the damage done to library materials can be avoided if those who use them learn to handle the materials with care.

Learn what causes damage:

• DO NOT force open or bear down on books while photocopying from them.
• DO NOT underline or make marginal notes in library materials.
• DO NOT mark your place with paper clips, pens and pencils, or dog-ear page corners.
• DO NOT grab a book from the shelf by its head or tail.
• DO NOT use book drops unless absolutely necessary.
• DO NOT mend torn pages with scotch tape--point out the damage to the librarian.

Books are more fragile than they appear. Allow yourself enough time to handle books with care ... when you return the book you want may still be here.

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