STANDARD FLEX TEST FOR RARE/GLOSSY MATERIALS TO DETERMINE BRITTLENESS

To Test

Attempt to roll the outside corner of any page (other than title page) towards the center of the book, forming a loose cylinder or tube. A new, pliable sheet of bookpaper exemplifies how easily it can be done. A brittle sheet of bookpaper, however, will resist and show signs of strain.

NOTE: The flex, or roll, test allows only an estimate of paper brittleness.

Limiting the Test Procedure

• Do not proceed beyond the first sign of resistance because the paper may break or be damaged.

• Do not test the title page, as any loss or damage to it may lessen the value or complicate cataloging or reprographic work.

• This test allows for subjective measures of brittleness, e.g. "excellent condition" (not brittle); "brittle", "very brittle", etc., but does not provide definitive information.