Here's are votes for either side of the question. Personally, I wear gloves when handling almost any part of our collection (stone, glass and ceramics excluded). However, I am aware that the Glenbow Archives here in Calgary do not wear gloves when handling historic documents. Their thinking is that hands made clumsy by gloves cause more damage (tears, creases, etc.) than clean, ungloved hands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tim McShane Curatorial Assistant, Parks Canada (also, Co-Chair of the Museum Division, Arrow 2000 Project) Views and opinions expressed are entirely my own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Parks Canada or the Arrow 2000 Project Association ______________________________ Reply Separator ____________________________ _____ Subject: Use gloves with paper? Author: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]> (Stephen Ringle <[log in to unmask]>) at PCH Date: 1/25/99 5:04 PM Greetings to all. What's the consensus on wearing gloves when handling unmounted works on paper? I've always just washed my hands. Finding gloves to fit my very large hands has always been a hassle. I am eager to know of policies, or established paractices, at other museums. If you have a conservator at your Museum, please pass this on for their reply. Thanks. -Steve ============================================================ Stephen B. Ringle, Registrar [log in to unmask] University of Maine Museum of Art 5712 Carnegie Hall, Room 109 vox: 207-581-3257 Orono, Maine 04469-5712 fax: 207-581-3083 ============================================================