How to Handle Old Books: Tips for Aspiring Collectors
- Steven de Joode
- Jun 1
- 4 min read

Many people still imagine handling old books with white gloves, perhaps influenced by images of curators in museums. However, white gloves and (old) books are actually sworn enemies. So, what is the correct way? Below are some useful tips for handling books and related materials without damaging them.
Don't Handle Old Books with White Gloves On
As mentioned, white gloves are unnecessary when handling old books. In fact, wearing gloves increases the chance of damaging paper. Try flipping through a 17th-century book with gloves on – it's impossible without tearing the paper. You should handle an (old) book with:
Clean, dry hands: So, wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching books.
Support the spine: Never force a book open flat. Use a book stand or cushion to support the spine, especially for larger works. Where can you get such a cushion? Among other places, from GWM in Germany, or PEL in the UK.
Limit direct contact: Don't pull a book from the shelf by tugging at the top of the spine. Instead, grip the book across the spine by both boards to avoid damaging the spine.

Optimal Storage Conditions
Books are sensitive to environmental factors. Here's how to create the ideal storage environment:
Temperature and Humidity: Preferably store books in a stable environment with temperatures between 16-21°C (61-70°F) and a humidity of approximately 40-50%. Paper does not thrive in high relative humidity—the dreaded silverfish, however, do. Therefore, try to keep the relative humidity below 55% (which is also better for your health).
Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV light can fade bindings and dust jackets. Therefore, store books in a shaded area. You can also apply UV-filtering film to windows.
Bookshelves: Place books upright on sturdy (and smooth!) shelves. For large books, flat storage is better to avoid pressure on the spine. The well-known gigantic art books by Taschen, for example, often have a text block that is actually too heavy for the spine. If you place them upright, the spine will eventually sag, and too much pressure will be placed on the endpapers, causing them to tear.
When buying pre-made bookshelves, pay close attention to the material used. Many shelves are made of particle board, which will often sag. Solid wood or metal are better, albeit more expensive, alternatives. If the shelves are not too wide (at most 80 cm / 31.5 inches), MDF is a favorable material that you can also paint well.
Furthermore, it's convenient if you can adjust the height of the shelves; otherwise, you'll have too little space for art books and far too much for novels. Of course, the best option is to build a custom cabinet yourself or have one built—so the DIY enthusiast has an advantage here.
Book Protection
Take these measures to prevent damage:
Mylar Dust Jacket Covers: Dust jackets are often more valuable than the book itself. However, they are also fragile. To protect them properly, acid-free polyester is available that you can fold around the covers. This not only protects the cover from grease and dirt but even from UV radiation. You can also use it to protect books without dust jackets. Various versions are available (with and without paper); the one marketed by Brodart is popular. It takes a bit of fiddling to fold the polyester correctly, but it's worth it.
Archival Sleeves: For prints, photos, ephemeral printed matter, and thin pamphlets, you can use a "Mylar sleeve." I personally use those marketed by PEL.
Archival Boxes: Of course, you can also store fragile material in acid-free boxes, which protect the material from various external influences.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly check your books for signs of damage, such as loose bindings, insect activity (the dreaded silverfish), or discoloration. See mold? Isolate the book immediately and consult a conservation expert. Mold spreads quickly and can affect an entire collection.
Repair and Restoration
Fortunately, the time when old, damaged books were unceremoniously fitted with a brand-new binding is long behind us. Nowadays, we want to keep books as much as possible in their authentic state. But of course, you also want to prevent damage from worsening. A good restorer can provide a solution in such a case.
Restoring old books is a profession preceded by serious study. A restorer can treat material in such a way that it is well preserved and can be used safely. A lot is possible nowadays. So, don't mess around with glue yourself—and certainly not with adhesive tape!

Insurance and Cataloging
Finally, protect your investment by insuring and meticulously cataloging your collection.
Insurance: Consider a special insurance policy for rare books to cover damage from theft, fire, or water.
Cataloging: Keep detailed records of each book, including photos, purchase information, and condition descriptions. Not only will you know exactly what you have, but it's also useful in case of loss or sale. Various software options exist for this, both free and quite expensive. A handy free option is Obvibase: a simple database that you can easily set up yourself.
In Conclusion
Caring for antique books requires attention to detail and an appreciation for history. By following these guidelines, you'll ensure your collection remains in excellent condition for future generations of collectors.
At Black Dog Rare Books, we are passionate about the preservation of rare books, manuscripts and ephemera. Do you want expert advice or are you looking for new additions to your collection? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you expand your library!
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