Thanks for the speedy replies, folks.

Our Standards and Guidelines require an outer label, as well as an interior
acid-free tag, and the artifacts themselves being marked or tagged.  Our
problem isn't so much that the information rubs off, although I know that it
can and does on occasion, it's that Sharpie markers are pretty toxic and,
according to our chief conservator, they do off-gas.  And while we haven't
noticed that they fade when left quiet and alone in the dark, but they do
yellow which isn't a very good sign.  We're also hesitant to use the
write-on white bags, because again, our chief conservator is suspicious of
the additives in the white plastic.  I'll mention the idea of stapling out
labels onto the bags to my co-workers here in collections, but I'm afraid
they too would tear off.  Archaeological collections are housed bags within
bags within bags and tend to be handled frequently.  Primarily we're looking
for an archival pen.  I'll check the film/negative marking pens.

Thanks again.
Rebecca J. Morehouse
Curator, Maryland State Highway Administration's Archaeological Collections
Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
410-586-8583
410-586-3643(fax)
[log in to unmask]



Rebecca J. Morehouse
Curator, Maryland State Highway Administration's Archaeological Collections
Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
10515 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
410-586-8583
410-586-3643(fax)
[log in to unmask]

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