NOT LIKE THIS: When a book is repeatedly pulled by the headcap (such as shown below) it will eventually fail, tear, and need repair. Use a step stool to reach higher shelves.

There are many examples such as this one (below) in the collection that show the result of removing a book from the shelf by pulling from the top of the spine material.

LIKE THIS: To prevent damaging the headcap, gently push back the books on either side of the desired book and  remove it by grasping around its middle with thumb and fingers. If this is not possible, place an index finger firmly on the top edge of the book (not on the head-cap but on the text-block) and tilt the book out of the shelf.

These items can be fixed in the Preservation Unit. They are usually identified by Circulation staff and routed to Preservation at the West Campus Library.