Thurlow Weed wrote:
[snip]
Also, having some experience with archival materials, I would *very
strongly recommend* you handle such documents minimally, and when you do
wear white cotton gloves. The cotton will keep the oils in your skin
from contacting the paper and causing further deterioration.
What is the general feeling these days among archivists and curators
about the use of white cotton gloves? I've noticed that some places
demand them, while others prefer you not to use them.
While I can see the protective argument, I find that it is hard to
handle documents, textiles, and other fragile items while wearing them -
so I worry about doing more damage than I prevent. It is especially
difficult to turn pages or pick up a sheet from a flat surface. And I
always feel clumsy and often hot. Does the bleach in white cotton
constitute a risk?
Is there an ongoing debate? Would some other sort of glove - maybe thin
silicon rubber? - or an instrument be better? Does skin oil help to
conserve - say - parchment?
While I'm happy to keep to the rules of any library or museum allowing
me to examine their archives, I'd like to know the best way - or at
least the various arguments - for handling things of my own.
Linda Walton,
(in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, U.K.,
surrounded by archives I've just been loaned for a new study I've been
asked to make - and feeling anxious!).
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