Hi All -- It is likely that this subject has already been discussed, if so, please point me to the appropriate digest entries. I work in a university-based natural history museum, built in 1987, with collections that are largely archaeological and ethnographic in nature. We are currently in the process of redesigning our exhibit area (about 3300 square feet). At the same time, we will also be replacing our HVAC system. It is our plan to supplement generalized building control with active and passive microclimate-controlled display cases. In our discussions regarding temperature setpoints for the HVAC system, the issue of maintaining visitor comfort has come up, which would require a somewhat higher summer temperature setpoint (73 degrees F) than I would have envisioned for ideal artifact preservation. I would appreciate your feedback on the subject, in particular, on how this issue has been addressed at other institutions, including specific setpoints and daily/seasonal swings. I do recognize that relative humidity will also be a factor in the equation, though that appears to be more difficult to control in an area of fluctuating occupancy levels. As always, many thanks for sharing your expertise! -- Pam Pamela E. Endzweig Director of Collections Museum of Natural History 1224 University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1224 Ph 541-346-5120 Fax 541-346-5334 email: [log in to unmask] ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).