Preservation Bookmarks

Preservation awareness is conveyed on educational bookmarks concerning everyday situations which may have a lasting negative impact on library materials. In a multiple choice format, four scenarios illustrate and explain preservationally-aware actions; the answers are printed on the reverse. In addition, bookmarks concerning Post-it NotesŪ and book mutilation are handy reminders for book users.

At UCSD, the bookmarks are available to library users at public information desks. Copies can be requested from the Preservation Department at no charge (click here to order; indicate the bookmark number, quantity and your address). Preservation Scenarios 1-4 are printed on off-white acidfree card stock. The Post-itŪ bookmark is printed on yellow bond. The "It's No Bull!" anti-mutilation bookmark is printed on an assortment of light blue, pink and light green card stocks. All bookmarks measure approximately 2-3/4" x 8-1/2". Click on the titles to view the bookmarks.

Preservation Scenario 1                         #1

You find that the book you've checked out at the library has several pages that are badly torn. Would you-

  1. "scotch tape" the tears
  2. tear the pages out because they will come out anyway
  3. tell the librarian about the torn pages when you return the book
  4. hope that the pages won't fall out before you return the book
  5. not return the book because you might be accused of mutilating the book

Answer

Preservation Scenario 2                          #2

You are reading a very interesting book but must stop because you have an appointment to keep. Would you-

  1. turn the book upside down on a flat surface in order to keep your place
  2. memorize the page number and close the book
  3. put a pencil between the pages where you stopped reading and leave the book in close proximity to where your pet is lying
  4. mark the place by inserting a bookmark where you stopped reading and put the book in a secure place
  5. "dog ear" one of the corners and put the book down

Answer

Preservation Scenario 3                        #3

You have several books that are due at the library today. It's raining very hard. Would you-

  1. wrap them in newspaper before leaving the house
  2. take the books back at a later date when it's not raining and pay the overdue fine
  3. put the books in a plastic bag before starting out
  4. put the books under your jacket to protect them
  5. carry the books in the hand that's not holding your umbrella

Answer

Preservation Scenario 4                          #4

The time is "anytime." You are reading while leisurely eating and drinking a cup of coffee. Quite by accident the cup overturns and coffee spills over the book. Would you-

  1. try to remove the stain by washing the paper with soap and water
  2. absorb as much of the coffee as possible with a paper towel and stand the book up to dry
  3. close the book and hope the wet and stain will not be noticed
  4. tell the librarian about the accidental spill and be willing to pay for any repairs
  5. throw the book away

Answer

                                                              #5

"You need to know about...
The Effect of Post-ItsŪ"                     

The negative effects of these seemingly harmless 'markers' in library material is devastating...

In the long term, the glue on Post-itŪ notes has a harmful effect on paper. The adhesive hardens and leaves a film that becomes acidic. This results in eventual discoloration and brittleness of the paper.

and...Post-itsŪ left for even a short time on already brittle paper (old books) cause the paper to tear when removing the Post-itŪ.

Please help us preserve library material by NOT using Post-itŪ notes.

Your cooperation is appreciated.

 

#6

It's no bull!
                                                         

Book and journal
mutilation is
vandalism!

  • Don't highlight, underline, or write in books.

  • Never tear out articles or pages from journals or books.

  • Don't use Post-itsŪ

Please help us preserve
library materials by not
mutilating them

The UCSD Libraries
University of California,
San Diego

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