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Care & Handling of Special Collections Materials: Objects & 3-D Artworks

This guide offers best practices for handling and using special collections materials in the Library's reading rooms. The guide is intended for those staff who work with readers, provide instruction using special collections, and security staff who monit

Objects & 3-Dimensional Artworks

TIPS FOR HANDLING

• Handle metal objects with nitrile gloves

• Handle carefully, holding and lifting the object by the base or by its strongest point

• Lift from the base of the object; avoid lifting object by any available handles

• Move heavy or awkwardly-sized objects with two people

POINTS OF VULNERABILITY

• Glass, ceramic, and stone can have slick, polished surfaces — use a cart to reduce risk of dropping objects

• Cracks, breaks, and chips

• Watch for small, fragile pieces or protrusions on object