I’m also interested in this as we’ve been storing our buttons in Riker boxes, which really helps with the storage issue as you can fit several in one and then
stack multiple boxes, but perhaps that doesn’t give them enough ventilation.
Linda Jacobson
North Carolina Collection Gallery
Wilson Special Collections Library
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
[log in to unmask]
919-962-0104
P.O. Box 8890
Wilson Library, Campus Box 3930
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Elizabeth Walton
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 4:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Storage of Political Memorabilia
I don't, because any form of stacking them would have something in contact with the plastic top, which could easily turn sticky over time and cause them to stick together (or stick tissue on them). Stacking trays in document boxes would
make for efficient use of space since the trays can be only one or two inches deep. You can also just use flat boxes that can stack on one another, like this: http://www.gaylord.com/adblock.asp?abid=7105
You can use sizes that fit your shelves and using boxes that are all the same would make the use of space very efficient. If buttons are pinned they can be very close together.
On Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 10:17 AM, Beth Sylak <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Thanks for the idea Elizabeth! I like the idea of using ethofoam planks, the only problem is that this might take up a lot of storage real estate. The collection has hundreds of buttons, so I am really looking for a way to store them while
not taking up too much space. I don't know that we would have the space to lay them all out and store them flat....
Any other suggestions?
~Beth
On Wed, Nov 7, 2012 at 10:52 AM, Elizabeth Walton <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Anything flat just needs to be in acid free folders to keep the flatness and I would use boxes with some ventilation to keep the chemicals in the vinyl and glues from creating a nasty micro environment. The plastics will degrade, but you
can slow it.
Keep buttons in dark and standard temp and RH. I like to lay them face up on etha foam plank with a soft layer between the buttons and the foam (volara or muslin), and if you can, use a U pin or a large T pin
at an angle around a loop or wire on the back to lightly hold them on so they don't fly around. Do this in trays and you can stack them in a box. Also, make sure they have air so the chemical build up does not cause the metal or plastic to degrade faster.
On Wed, Nov 7, 2012 at 9:52 AM, Beth Sylak <[log in to unmask]> wrote: