Examples of Damaged Books
As you use the collections of the MSU Libraries, you may occasionally find books which are in need of repair or rebinding. Sometimes this is due to vandalism, incorrect use, age or at times, poor craftsmanship of the book. As a user, you are in an excellent position to help us find these books that need attention. By giving them to the staff at the Circulation Desk, it begins the process and furthers our goal of providing our users with a well-maintained collection for generations to follow.
Water Damaged Books
You may feel water on a book before you see it. Mold can grow on a book within 8 hours of becoming damp. The mold spores growing on books may also be a hazard to persons with allergies. Immediately give book to staff at Circulation Desk. They will place the book in a ZipLoc© bag and place in freezer.
Stain Damaged Books
Take to Circulation Desk where staff will put in plastic bag and separate from other library materials.
Tear/Torn Books
The damaged pages may protrude outside of the book cover. Handle with care to avoid further damage to those pages. Insert a bookmark or slip of paper at the point of the torn or damaged pages. Give book to Circulation staff.
Defaced/Marked Books
As you open the book, keep an eye out for pencil marks, underlining (ink pen) or graffiti. Give to Circulation desk with a note regarding which pages are defaced.
Defaced/Marked Books
Was there a mouse in this book, or just an inconsiderate person? Either way, this book should be sent to Circulation promptly.
Torn/Loose Labels
"Loose labels lose books." Send to Circulation to have the label properly reaffixed or replaced.
Broken Spines
This type of damage is only visible when you open the book. Close inspection of the inside front and back covers will reveal tears and separation.
Broken Spines
Sometimes the pages are not torn, but are loose and separating from the cover. Further damage will result if not forwarded to Circulation.
Ripped Spines
Is it loose? Is it dangling?
Ripped Spines
Falling apart? Staples missing?
Ripped Spines
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then forward these books to Circulation for service.
Items Left in Books/Bookmarking
Please remove paper clips, Post-it notes©, or any bookmark before returning books to shelving. Paper clips should be gently removed to prevent tearing of pages.
Items Left in Books/Bookmarking
Post-it© notes should be pulled loose at an angle to safely remove from the page.
Items Left in Books/Bookmarking
These items may or may not be visible on first glance, rotate the book for bulges, or signs that there is something between the pages.
Loose Pages
Once again, loose pages are mainly visible when the book is opened. Please give book to Circulation staff while alerting them to the problem. They will use a pink tie to secure the book while it is being transported for repair.
Loose Covers
This is one of the most obvious damages to a book. As previously requested, please give to Circulation staff who will attempt to protect the book from further damage until it is repaired.
Loose Covers
This also includes fully separated covers.
Loose Covers
Sometimes the book itself may not necessarily be there.