I would like to request feedback regarding boxes for artifacts/objects in library special collections. I am often asked to create custom boxes for a wide variety of objects - most recently a typewriter and a historic projector, as well as some wooden boat-hull models.
If objects like these were in a museum collection storage, they would probably sit on open shelving with cloth or plastic dust/light covers over the objects or over the face of the shelving. They would probably not be kept in containers. Here are my observations on using containers for some objects: * Containers with plenty of padding are bulky - obviously more bulky than the objects. Naturally, they take up more shelf-space. If they are uniform and lightweight, boxes can be stacked, but many objects are not uniform and/or are too heavy to be stacked. Sometimes the padding can cause damage if unpacking and repacking is not done carefully, especially for extremely fragile artifacts. * A lot of extra handling of the objects is required when they need to be removed from or replaced in the container. Sometimes the objects must be partially disassembled for storage in containers. * A container hides the object, and may give a false sense of durability to something that is very fragile (and/or must be kept level, for instance), and could promote dangerously casual handling. * If an object is unpacked for exhibit or research, it's very likely that it will not be repacked as the box-maker intended, in which case the box becomes a nuisance and potentially harmful. Custom boxes - with built in supports, special padding, unusual opening or closing characteristics, specific requirements for positioning the object, etc. - often require specific methods (and sometimes written instructions) for proper use, which may not be obvious to future users. If objects stored in a proper special collection environment can be placed on shelves with dedicated space where other items are not going to be placed adjacent to the objects, especially other items that will be moved often, the objects are probably better off just sitting there with nothing around or touching them, including packing materials. Obviously, when something has to be transported and/or stored off-site, some sturdy protective enclosure is needed, but if objects are housed with the main collection, there is room to adjust shelving as needed, and the objects will be used occasionally, it probably makes more sense for them to be handled by clean, careful hands, and moved around using the best, smoothest, most gentle methods. If they are challenging to safely handle in normal use, they are going to be even more vulnerable if they have to be unpacked as well. There may be some objects that should be in containers. For instance, we have some theatre set models in acrylic vitrines, which do not require outer containers, while others - without vitrines - require containers that have plenty of space inside and very little packing, to accommodate the odd shapes or dimensions and very delicate constructions. It makes sense to protect the space around these, to guard against unintentional harmful contact. I would be interested in hearing from others who work with library special collections/archives, regarding how they manage storage of 3-D objects in primarily book-storage areas. In addition, any input or advice from collection care folks in museums or history collections would be welcome as well. Feedback on this forum or to me directly would be much appreciated. Thank you all, Harry Campbell Interim Head, Preservation and Reformatting Book and Paper Conservator Ohio State University Libraries 138 Libraries Tech Center 1165 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212 (614)292-9690 [email protected] ----- Harry Campbell Interim Head, Preservation and Reformatting Book and Paper Conservator Ohio State University Libraries 138 Libraries Tech Center 1165 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212 (614)292-9690 [email protected] ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Archives through August 2016 at http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/ Archives from September 2016 onward at https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
