[DCRM-L] Safe Cataloging Arsenic and Heavy Metals Books

[Groetsema Saifi, Jaime]

Dear All,

Our Conservation department is currently developing policies around testing for and handling books with arsenic and other heavy metals. I have been enjoying seeing the discussions here about description of and access to similar materials which have given us some guideposts for when we embark upon our own large-scale cataloging projects.

One question that has continued to come up: what does a safe cataloging workflow look like? There is a wide range of opinions as to what "safe" means and quite a difference in individual cataloger comfortability in working on these materials. (I know that many of us will have encountered these materials already and to different degrees, but as we learn more about particular health impacts, etc., I am keeping an open mind as to the responses and concerns of my team).

To that end, I am wondering if anyone out there has experience writing a procedure for the safe practice of cataloging materials with arsenic and heavy metals? Or, even those that have thought about it or discussed it at their home institutions, I would be grateful to hear your thoughts!

Thanks in advance!

Jaime
Jaime Groetsema Saifi
Assistant Librarian, Rare Materials Cataloging Unit Head
Spencer Research Library
University of Kansas Libraries


Jaime Groetsema Saifi (Jaime/Jaimes)
Assistant Librarian, Rare Materials Cataloging Unit Head
Spencer Research Library
University of Kansas Libraries
jgroetsemasaifi at ku.edu<mailto:jgroetsemasaifi at ku.edu>
+1 785 864 0886

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