Library and archival materials are perceived as cultural heritage which libraries and archives store and make available for the whole community to use. For that purpose to be filled, libraries and archives have a duty to protect and preserve those materials as long as possible so that all users can access the information they need. Damage of materials can vary from mechanical to chemical, damage and can also be caused on purpose or by accident, for example by irresponsible behaviour. Damage can also be caused by library’s or archive’s personnel or by their numerous users. Protection includes measures which are directed either to preventing possible damages or to conservation of materials. The most desirable measures are the ones which target prevention. People can have a negative impact on library and archival materials with their negligent behaviour and attitude towards the materials and for that reason the man-made damages are considered to be one of many potential dangers to materials. Therefore, users of libraries and archives and their awareness of protection of library and archival materials are in focus of this thesis. Empirical part of the thesis includes the way in which users handle and treat materials. Based on the survey conducted in libraries and archives, it is determined how much exactly are the users familiar with the rules of institutions, handling of their materials and preservation in general.