All of the sampling techniques addressed in the guidelines are acceptable; however, one may be more appropriate than another depending on such circumstances as the nature of the crime scene or the analytical method to be applied to the glass sample. Guidelines for the forensic glass examiner's handling of glass samples address the following issues: general considerations in the collection of a glass sample; the collection of glass samples from garments, footwear, and other items of evidence; receiving glass evidence collected by another technician; cleaning glass samples; and considerations in crushing glass in the course of an analysis. Guidelines that address the analysis of glass samples focus on characterizing particles as glass. Some of the issues considered are distinguishing glass from plastic and other similar materials, as well as the use of a stereomicroscope with a polarizing attachment. One of the guidelines for analyzing glass advises that upon the completion of the initial screening, separation, and cleaning, samples can then be either analyzed immediately or retained for later analysis. A 2-item bibliography