Shelving

Shelves or desk
 

	As book collections may grow over time, always maintain extra shelving space; glass-enclosed book cases help reduce dust, grime and other enemies of books, albeit you must ensure some air circulation to prevent mildew
	Inspect your book acquisitions and loan returns for cleaning and repair needs before shelving them
	Set books only on hard, smooth, dry and clean surfaces strong enough not to sag under your heaviest books over time.  Unsealed wood can release damaging acidic vapors-- in that case line your shelves with acid-free board.  Your shelves should be at least a few inches above your floor to avoid flooding or passers-by
	Books contain organic substances attractive to insects and rodents-- good housekeeping and absence of food near your books helps deter them; after that, periodic pest control for your whole building, but not directly on your books, may still be needed.  Live plants in the room attract insects
	Dust your books (and your shelves) frequently; firmly grip the book's fore-edge and text block with one hand and use a dry feather duster outdoors, or, use a hand-held vacuum cleaner.  Any wiping should be done with a clean, dry, soft and lint-free cloth.  Please be mindful of your books' construction-- uncontrolled cleaning zeal may do more harm, than not cleaning them at all
	Studies have shown that leather dressing maintenance does not significantly prolong your leather binding's life, and may in fact diminish its quality;  restoration by experts such as bookbinders and conservators, however, have been successful in some cases

Placement
 

	First always please maintain clean and dry hands; clean cotton gloves may be desirable for highly-valuable books and ephemera
	Secure books that are at risk of theft, unqualified handlers and pets; your local Police Department can advise you on theft prevention.  If theft occurs, file with your local police and insurance company; also, the ABAA (www.abaa.org) provides services for stolen books, recovered materials and forgeries
	If your shelf is not full, use sturdy, non-abrasive bookends that are high and wide-- thin "L" metal bookends that slip under your end books will work for instance.  Allow room around books for air circulation; fans or open windows may be helpful
	Your damaged book may be tied with a soft, undyed, flat ribbon or cord, with the knot on the book-block's top or fore-edge; or it may be housed in an archival-quality custom-sized box.  Flaking leather covers can be contained in paper or a polyester jacket

Position
 

	Line like-size books together, to avoid larger books bending and warping against smaller books; line them loosely but still supporting each other; keep books away from their shelf ledges; don't lean books either way, as their bindings can loosen under their weight
	Neither paper nor cloth bindings should be shelved against leather books, due to the acidity and oil in the leather-- placing book shoes or polyester film between them allows mixed shelving, however
	Don't position books on their fore-edges or spine-down (it loosens hardback books' hinges and binding).  Don't lay your valuable books on top of shelved ones, because of the precarious setting
	Rest books that are large, heavy or weak on their backs, again away from its shelf's ledge
	Do not pile your books up too high, especially on shelves, for they slide or topple easily; stack them with the larger books on bottom, tapering up.  Finely-bound leather books should not be stacked, because their tool-work may be compromised