Why does the library staff not wear gloves when reading older books?

Library staff does not use gloves when working with books since there is a greater risk of damaging the material or transferring dirt from one volume to another with gloves on. However, we do use gloves when we work with photographs, prints or works of art with a, particularly sensitive surface. 

If you as a patron need to use gloves when studying material in our Special Reading Rooms you will be provided with gloves and on-site instructions.