Loose material in books

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Loose materials are sometimes found in bound collection materials. This article contains policy and procedures for dealing with things in books.

Following a discussion between Heather, Deborah, and Carrie about whether or not to remove pinned materials to the Curatorial file, the following courses of action regarding removal of anything from the books should be taken by the catalogers:

• It is generally agreed that materials should not be removed, if possible
• Exceptions:

• accession/acquisition-based items, such as bookseller descriptions or shipping labels
• organic materials which might prove detrimental to the book, such as flowers, leaves, etc.

• If an item is "interacting" with the text, such as a contemporary ms. note concerning the text pinned within the book, extraneous materials should be left with the book, and described in the copy-specific note as to location within the book, as well as an idea of content
• When in doubt as to the potential harmful nature of leaving an item within the book, such as a rusting pin, consult curator(s) and/or conservators for an opinion. If it is determined that a pin should be removed, it is to be sent to the Curatorial File, noting location within book and shelf-mark, etc.
• Further discussion is scheduled with the Greater Cataloging Group for further policy-making.

Suggested categories:

• Staff policies and procedures;
• Vault materials