How to Handle Special Collections and Archival MaterialsMain MenuReading Room InformationCase Western Reserve University has two reading rooms for the in-person physical use of our primary-source materials.General GuidelinesSelection of guides to handwashing, wearing gloves, and support materialsTypes of MaterialsSelection of different kinds of materials and how to handle themAccessibilityAndrew R. Mancusoaa669936dd655ad6a4ef1fff734069d0f342df82
Using a snake weight
12020-10-20T15:34:53+00:00Andrew R. Mancusoaa669936dd655ad6a4ef1fff734069d0f342df82851Gently laying a weighted rope called a snake weight onto the corner of an open book to keep the pages down for viewingplain2020-10-20T15:34:53+00:00Andrew R. Mancusoaa669936dd655ad6a4ef1fff734069d0f342df82
This page is referenced by:
12020-08-11T12:19:38+00:00Support, We All Need It23Guide to using support materials in the reading roomplain2020-10-20T16:28:49+00:00
In particular, our materials require support to be safely handled while incurring minimal damage to an item.
All collection items degrade a small amount with every handling so we encourage you to make use of any and all support materials we offer to help keep this degradation to a minimum.
This includes:
Foam wedges
Can be used as a base support or in combination with futons, pillows, other plexi cradles
Book futons
Can be used alone by rolling to the amount of support needed is achieved, or in conjunction with book wedges or multiple futons
Book pillows
Can be used for oddly shaped items or anything that needs a bit less resistance than a foam or futon
There are a variety of weights that should be used to restrain pages while viewing and other tools that may assist you in safer handling of a material. Do not hesitate to ask a reading room staff member about how to handle an item if any questions crop up during your visit.
If possible, try to lay down weights so that they do not touch any media on the page.
