Photographic Materials
- Always handle film and photographic materials by their edges while wearing nitrile gloves issued by library staff.
- 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.
- Avoid handling images unsupported or in mid-air. If viewing negatives, ask for a light table rather than holding them up to the light.
- 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.
- Fragile prints and negatives may tear or flake from scraping against the edge of an enclosure.
- 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.
- 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, please slow your breath as any introduced moisture can be detrimental at such short distances.
