Special Collections: Rules for Class Visits
Only the instructor may handle the books.
- Books must remain in the book cradle at all times (no picking them up).
- Use book snakes to keep the book open (if the binding is tight); avoid putting pressure on the book block.
- Turn pages slowly and from the edges.
- Do not touch the text or images with your fingers (hands must be clean and dry)
There is a short video produced by the Folger Library that demonstrates careful handling. We suggest showing it to students at the start of term, or it can be shown as part of the Introduction to Special Collections session.
Regarding the amounts of materials requested for class, please select a representative sample when possible. Frequent shelving and re-shelving, as well as transporting and setting up in another location, can speed the deterioration of already fragile books.
Regarding the use of books in a workshop environment, please photograph pages from the books you wish to use. Students can then work from the copies. If good facsimiles are available, please use them. Remember that all special collections items can be viewed in our reading room and can be photographed. Photography is the least intrusive way to capture images from these books.
So, to put that in a nutshell. Original texts will be available for student viewing in class. Only the instructor may handle the materials (as per the instructions above). For group work (workshops) and for teaching (especially with large groups), please use copies or facsimiles.