Collections Care

The Weissman Preservation Center in the Harvard University Library and Conservation Services in the Harvard College Library actively promote and support responsible care of collections, including good storage environments, collections cleaning, maintenance of effective security measures, and careful handling.

Guidelines/Procedures

• 15 Ways to Save Harvard's Collections: A Guide
• Barcode Labels and Due Date Slips Procedure for Widener Library
• Bookplate Procedures for Widener Library
• Edge Stamping of Bound Library Materials
• HUMS Courier Guidelines: Transporting Library Materials
• Moving and Cleaning Library Materials
• Packing and Transporting Library Materials via HUMS Couriers
• Packing Bins to Transport Library Materials
• Transfer of Library Materials to the Harvard Depository
• Videotape Care and Handling Recommendations

Bibliographies

• Caring for Personal Collections
• Environmental Control (by James Reilly, Image Permanence Institute)
• Motion Picture Film Care and Handling
• Pest Management
• Videotape Care and Handling

Online Presentations

• Care and Handling of Library Materials: Training for Library Staff, April 2007
• Care and Handling of Library Materials: Guidance for Library Users, January 2008
• Care and Handling of Archival and Special Collections Materials, April 2008

Publications/Reports

• "Acetate Film Deterioration: Diagnosis and Storage," Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard University Library, 2007.
• "Postcards: Navigating the Preservation Options," Jan Merrill-Oldham, 1995.