The life of the book in the library may be prolonged in several ways.
1. In opening the leaves of uncut books at the top the paper knife should be carried to the back of the book, using a dull knife that is thin, long and tapering.
2. Many books should be carefully opened before being placed on the shelves. This is done by resting the book on its back and dropping the covers on the table. Taking a few leaves at a time first at the front and then at the back, press them down carefully until the middle of the book is reached. If this be done there is little chance that the back of the book will be broken if the book is suddenly opened.
3. Books should not be pressed tightly together on the shelves.
4. They should not be piled on other books resting on their fore-edge.
5. They should not be pulled from the shelves by the head bands.
6. They should be dusted frequently.
7. They should be kept upright on the shelves instead of half-fallen over.
8. In every way they should be handled as if they were books, not bricks.