What exactly do you mean when you say inventory?  Do
you want a system to identify and accession them?  If
so, just go along with the regular accession number
system of donor (if not known, make up a number),
collection number, and item number.  2001-14-3

From a preservation point of view, first begin by
flattening the maps.  One way is to reverse rolling
them, but only for a few days to a week.  You can also
place them under plexiglas sheets to flatten, but
first place acid-free boards between the map and the
plexiglass.  Then turn to surface cleaning.  If you're
lucy, gently and carefully using sponges and archival
quality erasers will loosen some of the print, but if
it looks like you're taking off some of the printing
on the map as well, you're stuck with the print.  THe
main concern is getting the highly acidic newspaper
off of the map.  The will need to be de-acidified as
well.  Those that can take a water bath should be
watched carefully.  Test EVERY single ink on the map
before submurging them, however.  Non-aqueous methods
like Wei-to and Bookmaker are even easier for inks
that look like they'll run, but are also expensive and
take up space.  After de-acidifying, use books or some
other type of weights to keep the maps flattened.
Then place them in the flat cabinets and you're good
to go.
--- Maria Sanchez <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> My volunteers have taken it upon themselves to begin
> a preliminary inventory of a collection of rolled
> maps. These uninventoried rolled maps are delicated
> and some are stored in cardboard tubes. The
> volunteers had this great idea to mark on newsprint
> and wrap it around each map! I am in panic mode.
> What is the best way to inventory these maps. We
> have money to purchase some supplies but are not yet
> able to purchase flat map drawers yet. I need to
> give the volunteers a better method than current.
> Thanks for your help in advance.
>
> Maria Sanchez
>
>
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Restoration and Conservation Division
Tennessee State Library and Archives

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