#  Selecting Materials in Good Condition 

 



 The following information should be considered when selecting library materials for course or temporary teaching exhibitions.

 Fragile or vulnerable materials often require conservation treatment before they can be exhibited, and this treatment is often a time-consuming process. To ensure that your exhibition can take place in a timely fashion, please make every attempt to select materials that are in good condition.

 Use the criteria below for selecting photographs, flat paper, and bound materials:

- Materials are structurally intact. Avoid items with tears; loose text leaves or sections; broken, failing, or missing sewing; detached pieces; unsightly repairs; or structural distortions like cockling, warping, or wrinkles
- Bound items open easily to at least 90 degrees
- Paper items lie flat
- Materials are not made of parchment
- Items fit in the exhibition cases. Please note that books are displayed in V-forms (a type of book cradle) that add some height to the opened book
- Prints and drawings are already matted and framed

 If you wish to use other types of materials, you will need to consult with the library contact and [Conservation](mailto:preserve_wpc@harvard.edu).