Research Guides: Archives and Special Collections: Handling Archival Materials

Handling Archival Material

At any repository, the staff will show researchers how to handle materials. Researchers will also be instructed on when it is necessary to wear gloves. Practices may differ from repository to repository; always follow instructions from repository staff.

Researchers should leave sleeved photographs in their enclosures and should avoid touching the emulsion surfaces of unsleeved photos. Photos should be handled individually and carefully.

Researchers will take care not to add or remove marks on the material and will not fold or trace material, write notes on top of material, rest laptops or other objects on the surface of items, or lean on materials. Researchers who damage material will not be permitted further use of the Archives and may be assessed repair fees. Any person found stealing, defacing, mutilating, or in any way destroying materials will be prosecuted.

A couple of tips:

Always wash your hands before handling archival materials, and make sure they are completely dry.
Do not put on hand lotion before coming into the Archives, or during your visit.
Only use pencils for writing notes - no pens, markers, highlighters, or quills!
Avoid touching your face while handling archival materials.
This goes more for archivists, but nail polish, especially dark colors, can sometimes transfer onto paper, so you may want to put off a manicure until after your primary source research is finished.
Do not lick your fingers to turn pages!