Photographic Materials
Always handle film and photographic materials by their edges while wearing nitrile gloves issued by library staff. Never touch a photographic medium with ungloved hands. Touching the surface of films or photographic images can etch permanent marks into the surface of the object.
Always place photographs on a solid surface that completely supports the image. Ensure that the photograph is continuously supported, even very minimal dimensional shifts can crack seemingly stable emulsion layers.
Images should not be carried by fragile edges or brittle backings; support with a rigid piece of cardstock before transporting. Handle photographic images gently when removing them from their folders, boxes, or other original housing.
Avoid handling images unsupported or in mid-air. If viewing negatives, ask for a light table rather than holding them up to the light.
Fragile prints and negatives may tear or flake from scraping against the edge of an enclosure.
Keep your workspace clear. Avoid extraneous materials and clutter in your work area.
Keep a safe distance (three inches) between the edges of an image and the edge of your work surface.
Be careful to avoid placing elbows on an image or allow an image to hang over the edge of the work surface.
Do not blow on any photographic material and when attempting close inspection, try not to breathe too heavily as any introduced moisture can be detrimental at such short distances.
