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Thank you for your varied, and in some cases, very detailed responses which I summarise below : Of all the points raised, the reduction in manual dexterity was by far the one which gave most concern. One respondent prefered latex gloves for this reason, and another dispensed with gloves and went for BL handwipes. The use of gloves could also result in gripping the document more tightly which would be damaging for fragile items. On the other hand one contribution from Japan highlighted the high heat and hunidity experienced there which made gloves an imperative. Transference of dirt from one document to another was also considered a major disadvantage of using gloves. Also mentioned were the dangers of cleaning agents when laundering which left harmful chemical residues on the gloves. A better solution was to ensure that photographs or items with sensitive surfaces were placed within a polyester sleeve before they could be consulted by the general public. Most agreed that it was a good idea to use gloves on special public occasions, such as TV broadcasts or open days, in order to promote archives as something special, and therefore requiring careful handling. Although most responses indicated that their repositories were selective in their use of gloves, for example with photographs and similarily sensitive materials, there were one or two who stated that in their workplace gloves were compulsory for searchroom staff and users. Paul F Mason ********************************************************************** Opinions advice, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of Flintshire County Council shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it or on its behalf, and consequently Flintshire County Council shall bear no responsibility whatsoever in respect thereof. Deellir na fydd unrhyw safbwyntiau, na chynghorion, na chasgliadau nac unrhyw wybodaeth arall yn y neges hon, nad ydynt yn berthnasol i waith swyddogol Cyngor Sir y Fflint, yn cael eu cynnig na'u cadarnhau ganddo nac ar ei ran, ac felly ni fydd Cyngor Sir y Fflint yn derbyn unrhyw gyfrifoldeb am y rhannau hynny o'r neges. **********************************************************************