Material-Specific Instructions – Picture Collections

Handling the materials

Photographic materials are particularly sensitive to dirt and grease.
Wash your hands before and after handling materials.
Use nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are single use: take a new pair after removing the previous ones. Recycle used nitrile gloves according to instructions.
Keep materials safely on top of the table; do not stack materials.
Do not write notes on top of the materials.
Do not make markings on the materials or their protective enclosures.
Ensure that the materials remain in their original order. Use the provided placeholders as bookmarks.
Inform staff if you notice any damage or other irregularities. Do not attempt to repair damaged materials yourself.
Remember to return materials to their protective enclosures before taking a break.
When taking note-taking photos, materials must be placed flat on the table. You may use a tabletop tripod, but the use of larger tripods and climbing on a chair to take photos is not allowed due to limited space and safety.

Use the provided support boards.
Handle materials carefully, holding pictures with both hands by the edges.
Avoid touching the image surface.
Do not blow or wipe loose dust from the surface of a negative or image; use the provided air blower to remove particles.
If needed, you may use a document camera to view negatives. Staff will assist with the device.

Fragile paper-based materials are handled without gloves (staff will advise). Otherwise, use nitrile gloves.
Staff will assist with handling large-format or fragile materials.
Do not turn framed materials face down or upright, to prevent the image from slipping out of place.
Do not remove an image from its frame by yourself. If you want to see the reverse, ask staff for assistance.

Staff will advise on handling fragile materials.
Use a support cushion under the material.
Use weighted straps to keep a book open.
Note that spines of bound volumes may be in poor condition. Handle them with particular care.
Do not remove a photo from an album by yourself. If you want to see the reverse, ask staff for assistance if needed.

If you notice errors or omissions in the metadata, you can submit additions in the Permit and Collection Service:

If your Material Request has not yet been closed: Send a message within the Material Request specifying what information you wish to correct and identify the materials concerned.
If time has passed since your last visit to the Collections and Conservation Centre and your Material Request has been closed: send us a message via the Information Request form. Identify the materials concerned and specify the information you wish to correct. Also mention your Material Request number and the date of your visit.