Planning your new store relates not only to environmental issues and the specification of a storage system, but also planning to work with other contractors. Consideration should be given to lighting orientation, the placement of doors and electrical sockets and where ventilation systems might be installed.
Factors such as working with contractors should also be taking into account, whether you have done so before or not. Critical concerns should focus upon environment and security and it is advisable that your chosen contracting partner keep all museum personnel informed about the work being carried out.
Other considerations are included but not limited to additional services you may require which include the use of materials such as:
Plastazote
Priceless works of art and historical artefacts deserve optimum protection during both archive storage and transit. In many instances that means precise packaging inside polyolefin foams and the purest is Azote.
Other polyethylene foams may have been expanded using CFC’s HCFC’s, HFC’s or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or may use a chemical blowing agent that reacts and releases a gas within the plastic. Residues of these blowing agents can remain within the foam and can detract from their physical properties and often causes staining and unpleasant odours.
Azote foams use only Nitrogen for foam expansion, in a process that creates unequalled purity, isotropic consistency and closed cell protection. Because only Nitrogen is used, no harmful gases are present to seep out, no matter how long an item may be archived.
Plastazote, a foam brand within the Azote family, has set the European conservation standard for decades due to its impact absorption, ease of fabrication, attractive appearance and purity.
It is recognised and used in conversation for many applications such as drawer lining for various specimens, coins/medals, glass photographic negatives, book rests, display supports, shipping works of art and protecting in archival storage. This high density closed cell foam can be cut cleanly to most shapes using a Thermocutter, and glued together or sculptured using a Low Melt Glue Gun. Being inert and acid free, plastazote is also ideal for packing archival boxes to fit the object such as rare books and other valuable items that are subject to potential damage.
Labelling
The need for a quality and well thought out labelling and identification system is often overlooked but getting this right can transform your facility in to an efficient, smoother and cost effective operation.
A full range of identification products are available in a variety of fixings and materials to suit your specific needs.
Self-adhesive Labels
Available as letters or numbers they ensure high visibility for easy identification. Simple to apply they can be quickly removed leaving no residue. Suitable for the labelling of shelves and for use in the office e.g. labelling files etc.
Self Adhesive Label Holders
The self-adhesive backing on the label holder offers a long term fixing option in environments where the label inserts need to be changed frequently. Label holders can be supplied in standard pre-cut sizes or special sizes on request. White card inserts are supplied plain for your own labelling or can be pre printed with artefact information, locations or bar codes.
Magnetic Label Holders
Magnetic label holders are ideal for applications where regular changes are required. They are easier and quicker to move then adhesive backed holders. Label holders can be supplied in standard pre-cut sizes or special sizes on request. White card inserts are supplied plain for your own labelling or can be pre printed with artefact information, locations or bar codes.
Magnetic Easy Wipe Strip
The magnetic easy wipe strip provides a fast and cost effective updating system for identification. Supplied in a roll, each strip can be easily cut to size to suit your requirements. The strips allow for easy updates as you can write on and wipe off with a damp cloth.
Electronic Barcoding: The future for storage and retrieval?
Many institutions are turning to more hi-tech ways to track, store and retrieve their items. But what options are available when you are dealing with fragile and valuable items?
Physical Image Catalogue
This is best used when you can’t actually attach a barcode label to an item due to its fragility or value. A picture of the item is taken and a location barcode put on the shelving where it is stored. The image is then electronically loaded into a database where it is stored with the corresponding barcode. So, when an audit is due or you need to retrieve the item, you can see a physical image of the item and scan it using the barcode on the shelving. An example of this type of catalogue can be seen in the supermarket when you are buying loose fruit and vegetables – a picture of the particular item gets scanned into the till as it would be ludicrous to individually price and tag each apple, onion or potato for example!
RFID Tags
Radio Frequency Identification tags are best used when you only need to get within a certain distance of the object. The tag would need to be placed somewhere on/near to the item EG on the frame of a painting and the scanner will pick up the radio frequency transmitted from the tag.
Moving Collections
When moving collections wholesale from one building to another crates/boxes/packing material can have barcodes added to them. The items can be scanned when they leave the old building and scanned when they go into the new building. EG The Ashmolean Museum moved their collection out of the old building and into the John Radcliffe Hospital Gibson building for storage. As items went into storage they were bar coded and scanned, then re-scanned when they moved into the new installation.
Each item or object would be assigned a unique ID/tag as it is scanned and added to the database system. You could then store any type of information against this ID EG images, text or emails. All information loaded into the database will enable you to manage and track the artefacts/objects whereabouts and condition for example.
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