1) Basic Day-To-Day Handling Requirements

When the Library Telescope is not in use or is being moved, ensure the lens cap and tube cover are firmly in place to prevent dust and other debris from falling onto the eyepiece lens or the mirrors inside the tube. Additionally, the focuser should be fully retracted into the telescope when it's not in use or is being transported to minimize the risk of it being bumped or damaged. For storage, the telescope tube should be positioned with the mirror at the bottom and the eyepiece at the top.

2) Normal Maintenance Requirements

Regular checks should be conducted to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the Library Telescope:

• Viewfinder Battery: Verify that the viewfinder battery is still working and be sure to turn it off when not in use, as patrons often forget to do so, leading to battery drain. The library should keep extra viewfinder batteries on hand for replacement as needed, as they are relatively inexpensive.

• Viewfinder Alignment: Ensure that the viewfinder is correctly aligned with the telescope. Patrons sometimes adjust the alignment screws, causing the viewfinder to become misaligned.

• Component Check: Confirm that all the pieces of the telescope are present and securely attached.

3) Common Issues Over Time

Occasionally, the viewfinder may be damaged and need replacement, and the focuser may require repairs. The telescope has very few moving parts. The most common problems arise from people moving the focuser or eyepiece zoom beyond their limits. These issues are usually not hard to repair. Pieces may become loosened and lost, requiring replacement. Most of the time, these issues are due to children, or people acting like children, fiddling with things. Suggesting adult supervision is recommended. Most things one might fiddle with have been secured in some way.

4) Cleaning the Mirrors and Lens Surfaces

Merely touching the mirrors and lens surfaces may cause damage. The optical surfaces have special coatings that can be damaged if cleaned too often or too aggressively. It takes a remarkable amount of dust to affect the performance of the telescope. Try covering half the opening of the telescope with your hand; it will only darken the view a bit. If you think the mirrors need cleaning, the library should contact their local astronomy representative for evaluation. If you are unable to get help, then please contact us.

The eyepiece sometimes collects smudges from probing fingers, particularly very young ones. A very gentle cleaning with a tissue moistened with a little Windex should be enough.

5) Adjusting the Optics

Many telescopes that have been in constant use for years have not needed adjustment. When adjustments are required, there are simple methods that do not need tools, other than moving or accessing the three adjustment knobs behind the main mirror. Reach out to your local astronomy club for assistance; they will likely have someone who can precisely collimate the mirrors using a laser. The need for these adjustments usually arises when someone tries to do it themselves at home. If you are unable to get help, then please contact us.

For more information, visit LibraryTelescope.org and the Library Telescope YouTube channel.