The Sheridan Libraries

Special Collections Quick Look Up

A guide to help you navigate the perilous world of Special Collections student employment!

“Never take a book where it doesn’t want to go”—don’t open tightly bound books too far
Never pull a book off the shelf by the head of its spine.
Always ensure books are adequately supported with bookends so books are not unnecessarily jostled as the compact shelving or book truck is moved
When pulling, take the time to move books on a shelf so they’re fully supported, and/or to get a bookend if one is needed.
When shifting books on a shelf, move only a few at a time
Take your time: it is better for the books not to rush.
Never carry more books at one time than you can fully control. It is better to take the time to make two trips or use a book truck than to risk dropping one.

Choose a set of wedges appropriate to the size of book
The center foam strip is designed to be used, when needed, with the side wedges raised up on flats
Use flats (rather, normally, than an extra wedge) to support the upper board of thick books
Sometimes, especially with heavy books or books with low-friction bindings, it is better not to use a third wedge to tilt the book forward.
Use only one wedge if unfolding a fold-out, so the fold-out lies relatively flat on the table
Make sure book snakes are lifted away as pages are turned, so as not to damage pages
Booksnakes are used to keep a page open; never as a bookmark
There are also lucite cradles available, set to specific angles and with additional pieces that can be added as bigger "wings."
Unbound material, including portfolios of plates, do not need to be put on cradles.

Researchers should only have one box on their table, and only remove one folder at a time to review. Having multiple boxes/folders in play at one time inevitably leads to materials not being put back in the proper folder or box.
Give the patron an out card/flag to mark the place where they removed a folder, so that they can put it back in the same spot.
Folders and their contents should be flat on the table--no holding a folder in your lap and leafing through contents.
Patrons should never change the order of items in a folder, or of folders in a box. If they notify you that things appear to be out of order, summon a staff member for assistance.
Patrons should never remove staples from materials on their own. If they ask about this, or express any other concerns about the condition of materials, summon a staff member for help.