Library and archival materials are there to be used. This implies manipulation of the objects, which results in damage over time. The amount of damage sustained not only depends on the sturdiness of the materials involved but also on the care which is exhibited when handling the objects. Carelessness often results in damage and loss of items where no need should be.

To avoid unnecessary loss of library and archive materials preventive measures have to be taken. Following actions can be a good starting point to increase the responsibility of the client

In these times enough information and materials are available to provide for adequate storage of most library and archive materials. Inadequate storage is not acceptable anymore for any archivist, librarian or curator these days.

Inadequate storage can be a token of carelessness or ignorance, but in most cases it is just due to lack of personnel, buildings and money.

Acts of war and terrorism still destroy library and archival materials in different parts of the world. Burning of books and documents for ideological, theological and political reasons still occur. When this happens to archives or unique manuscripts, treasures of knowledge about certain societies can be erased.

Vandalism also occurs by ordinary users when they write in books, tear pages out or damage the items by copying them. Not respectable antiquarian dealers often practice a more sophisticated form of vandalism when they tear prints and maps out of books and sell them to their clients.

A lot of damage has been done to library and archive materials by conservators using inadequate conservation and restoration materials and techniques. Some of these conservators were genuine, and at the time they used the materials or techniques these were generally accepted. Other conservators were just amateurs with insufficient knowledge, which still happens these days. These irresponsible people still damage valuable and unique items by using harmful materials and techniques as