I apologize to the rest of the list for the length of this
          response.  I did not see a direct address to respond to, or
          I would have done that.
 
 
 
 
          Dear Helen,
 
          I've been sitting on your request for several days because
          your questions are many and the issues are all very
          important.  You don't say where you're writing from, but I
          think the first thing you should do is talk to your local
          print curator or conservator or both.
 
          the first issue, which isn't even part of your question, has
          to do with having a storage area and multi-use facility in
          the same space.  It's not a good idea, though many of us are
          forced to do the same by circumstance.  Try to separate the
          two areas (storage and classroom space) as much as possible.
          A locked door between the two is ideal.
 
          Re:  material for open shelving.  There are a number of
          museum materials supply houses out there, again your
          location may determine the easiest and best place to order
          from.  The ideal, though once again many have had to settle
          for less than ideal, is a powder coat finish on metal
          shelves.  That produces the least amount of off-gassing.
          With limited resources, the next best thing is baked enamel.
          Don't worry about damaging the exterior of your solander
          boxes.  It will happen eventually no matter what you do.
          Dust accumulation is inevitable unless you opt for
          cabinetry.  A very expensive alternative.  Just stay away
          from wood.
 
          I am not a conservator, but my instincts tell me that you
          should stay away from carpeting in your storage area.  It
          may sound funny, but I've been told by our conservators that
          a smooth floor surface is the easiest to keep clean and the
          best way to monitor pests.
 
          Storage height is up to you.  I work in a room where
          solander boxes are frequently above my head and very heavy.
          We have a large library ladder which we use for the very
          high material (13+ ft. off the ground) BUT I DO NOT
          RECOMMEND IT.  We are in the process of spending $$ to
          rectify just that situation.  It is dangerous to humans and
          to art!
 
          As long as you are storing your materials away every night,
          lighting is up to you as well.  You can get UV filters for
          flourescents (what we have done) and again, if your storage
          and classroom spaces are separate, you can even have natural
          light in the classroom.  the best, I think.
 
          and finally, re: very large framed prints.  I believe that
          lightweight painting storage racks are the easiest thing to
          deal with, if you have the space.  I have worked with both
          rolling racks and bins/slots for storage and prefer the
          racks.  Sliding large frames in and out of bins does
          enormous damage to the frames (usually very expensive) and
          probably is more wear and tear on the hinged paper as well.
 
          Good luck with your project.  I am embarking on a similar
          one, myself.  Again, I apologize for the length of my reply!
 
          Sincerely,
 
 
          Lora Urbanelli
          Assoc. Curator of Prints, Drawings & Photographs
          Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design
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