Don't do anything that will damage a book
Don't expect all books to react well to the same treatment; each book should be treated as an individual
Don't write your name all over your books; once is enough
Don't wash the covers of a book
Don't get books wet
Don't set beverages, hot or cold, on books
Don't leave your books lying around in stacks
Don't use rubber bands to keep a book together
Don't ever erase colored pages without testing them first
Don't use 'Scotch" type tape on books
Don't store bulky things in books
Don't keep newspaper clippings in books unless between waxed papers
Don't press flowers in books unless between waxed paper
Don't use marking pens in books
Don't use rubber stamps to mark books
Don't use "glue" or mucilage in books
Don't use paper clips in books
Don't store books in damp rooms
Don't expose books to strong light or to sunlight for long periods of time
Don't keep books in extremely dry conditions or over a heat register
Don't pack your bookshelves too tightly
Don't allow your books to flop around on the shelves
Don't forget to maintain your library properly
Don't forget to check stored books every three months for both moisture and bugs
Don't forget to clean your books and bookshelves thoroughly at least once a year
Don't do anything to colored pages without testing them first
Don't do any repairs that cannot be undone
Don't try to repair old and valuable books unless you are an expert
Don't try something that is beyond your skill, unless you are working on a "practice" book
Don't try new products on a good book until you have some experience with them on a practice book
Don't work on the inside covers without a support underneath
Don't use cloth tapes to fix the spine of a book
Don't treat suede binding like smooth leather bindings
Don't use rubber cement to make repairs
Don't ever trim flyleaves toward the spine; always work from the spine out to the fore-edge
Don't forget to erase from the spine out to the edges
Don't forget to put waxed paper protection sheets in when you are working with adhesive
Don't be in a hurry; take your time when you are repairing books, unless you are working with adhesive
Don't forget to wash out your brushes after each and every use
Don't use inferior materials when repairing books
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shep, R.L. Cleaning and Repairing Books. PP. 99-101. Lopez: R.L. Shep, 1980
