1. Book Handling Guidelines for the Zeutschel

BEFORE SCANNING

1. Clean the work surface
   • Scanner bed
   • Glass plate, if used
   • Wipe off any backing materials with lint-free cloth
2. Wash your hands
3. Gently leaf through the item to identify any potential handling/scanning problems
   • If you do not think the item can be scanned without damaging it, bring it directly to your supervisor
   • Some treatments do not necessarily require Book Conservation but must be done by someone on the team who has been trained, such as page separation and opening books that have never been opened. Discuss with your supervisor.

SCANNING DOS AND DON’TS

Page Turning:

Do (especially for brittle or otherwise fragile items):

• Turn pages with 2 hands
• Lift the page a little bit and slide something underneath the page to give it more support while turning

Do not:

• Turn the page from the bottom corner; turn from the bottom or side of the page
• Put any unnecessary pressure or strong touch on any one part of a page
• Touch images (e.g. mounted photographs) on the page

Binding support:

Do:

• Use supports provided to make sure the book is always “comfortable.”
• As you progress through it and the weight shifts from right to left, adjust your supports accordingly.

Do not:

• Put fragile bindings (e.g. leather) directly on scan bed; use black tyvek or similar which will not scratch the binding

Using the adjustable scan bed/cradle (Zeutschel):

Do:

• Gently tap it up to raise it so that the item shifts as little as possible
• Use it only when you are significantly changing the depth of an item; otherwise, use available foam supports to support fragile bindings.
• When you are using the adjustable scan bed, hold it down when you release the lock so that it doesn’t pop back up.