We are concerned about any recommendation of paper banding, or sticky/adhesive notes. Paper banding may fall off when handled by the patron – unless wrapped tight enough. Wrapping the bands tightly to ensure placement may accidently create damage to a fragile cover when the band is broken to remove it. Last, the National Library of Medicine does not use any sticky notes or adhesives on collection materials, and we have actually contacted borrowing libraries to instruct them to never put them on our materials. Our understanding from our conservation staff is that the National Archives recommends “that no removable self stick notes be used on any paper records that have permanent value” (www.archives.gov/preservation/vendor-training.html) , due to the fact that residues in adhesives remain permanently on the objects they are affixed to – and that the colored dies of the notes run after contact with liquids. Of course, this may be less relevant to libraries shipping more ephemeral items. |
