At PRONI, we want everyone to enjoy access to our unique collections for generations to come. You can play an important part in this by handling records gently and with care. Even small actions make a big difference.
Damage caused by mishandling isn’t always visible right away, but it can appear later, especially on items that are used often. By treating records carefully today, you can help us to preserve our shared archival heritage for the future.
Advice for handling our records
Do
- make sure your hands are clean and dry
- ask staff for help with heavy or oversized documents
- place documents securely on the table
- use book support cushions for bound volumes
- use leather weights to support rolled documents
- take care when turning pages or unfolding documents
- use pencils only when working around documents
- report any document that is missing or in fragile condition
- take care when loading and removing microfilms
- handle photographic negatives and prints carefully, holding only at the edges
- gather document bundles together with care
- take care when removing or replacing documents in envelopes
Don't
- wet your fingers to turn pages
- let documents overhang the edges of the table
- place heavy volumes on top of other documents or maps
- force a volume to lie flat or leave it open face down
- fold, crease, or bend any document
- try to free or prise apart pages that are stuck together—ask staff instead
- use pens or correction fluid near documents
- mark, lean on, or write on top of a book or document
- remove paper clips, pins, or staples from documents
- remove documents from clear protective sleeves
- re-arrange loose papers
- tie document tape too tightly around bundles
- flex or bend photographic negatives and prints
- remove documents from the Reading Rooms or take them out of the building