Should you wear gloves when handling old documents?

The professors and the visiting archivists all had the same answer: Don’t wear gloves unless you’re handling photographs or a material that could be harmed by fingerprints. The gloves could do more harm than good.

Do archaeologists wear gloves?

Is it necessary to use gloves to handle artefacts during our glacial archaeological fieldwork? The answer to that is no, unless it is freezing, and we keep our gloves on for protection against the cold. We like to keep it simple in the field, as conditions can be rough.

Why do old people wear white gloves?

We have a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome. Air conditioning, stress, even just holding a cold glass can trigger a Raynaud’s attack. In the middle of summer, Frosties (as we call ourselves) sometimes have to wear gloves and two pairs of socks just to keep our blood vessels under control.

Do archivists wear gloves?

Other reasons that archivists may wear gloves while handling collections is actually to protect the archivist—either from dry/ cracking skin, paper cuts, or for more substantial reasons, such as handling moldy materials. News articles highlight the problems archivists had trying to recover and salvage records after …

Why do historians wear gloves?

“According to the Library of Congress, wearing gloves while handling antiquarian books may do more harm than good. Portland State University Library Special Collections follows their advice to handle most rare and valuable books with clean, dry hands.” And gloves often carry far more dirt than clean hands.

Why do people wear gloves in library?

The purpose of wearing white cotton gloves is to provide a safe, soft barrier between your dirty, oily hands and the rare book you’re using. The white fabric contains no dyes that could stain the book, and they show dirt easily, so you know when it’s time for a new pair.

Why do archaeologists wear scarves around their neck?

A shemagh is a great help in an arid climate. It helps keep the sun off your neck and head and the dust and sand out of your lungs. Your hat might be stolen right off your head as you walk down the street.

How do you handle ancient artifacts?

Do not try to carry large, bulky or heavy objects alone. Always pick up an artifact — never push, pull or slide it. Use both hands and provide full support to the entire object, especially the base. Move furniture by gripping structurally sound components such as the seat frame or base.

Why did ladies always wear gloves?

Why Did Women Wear Gloves? Women wore gloves as a protection from disease and to keep their hands soft and feminine. Soft hands were a sign that a women came from a prosperous or upper class family and gloves were the number one way to keep the hands soft and protected while out horse riding.

Why did Victorian men wear gloves?

While gloves were worn for modesty and to symbolize social status, there was another important reason that gloves were an essential accessory during the 1800s. Contagious diseases were rampant in Victorian society, and many feared catching a grave illness when they ventured into public.

How do you handle old manuscripts?

General Handling Guidelines for Manuscript Materials Wash hands with soap and dry them completely. Wash hands frequently when using materials for a long period of time. Oils and salts in perspiration will damage paper and parchment.