Conservators have a mixed opinion on this one.   I am very pro-poly bagging;
in my personal experience they have saved objects from  everything from
water damage to asbestos contamination. For a non-anecdotal approach, I'd
suggest you contact Christine DelRe, the Head Conservator at the Milwaukee
Public Museum ([log in to unmask]; 414 278-2780)) or Lynn Grant, Associate
Conservator at the University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia (215
898-4000).

Janice Klein
Director
Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Kendall College
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Lane <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2000 4:20 PM
Subject: Polyethylene Storage Bags


>Help!!!  I've got a quickie research project to do on the pros and cons of
>using polyethylene storage bags for collection objects.  I've searched all
>the usual suspects - AIC, CoOL, the Getty, Museum-L archives, you name it.
>There's nothing conclusive out there.  What I'd like to know is if you have
>any more arcane information dealing with permeability to humidity, gases,
>pollutants; any dangers from off-gassing or breakdown products; how
>important it is to use "archival" grade polyethylene, the whole nine yards.
> Or suggestions of more obscure sites that would have some information.  Or
>personal experiences / recommendations.  If you could get me some info in
>the next couple of days, I would lick your boots.  Provided they were
>sealed in polyethylene.
>TIA,
>Anne
>Anne T. Lane, Collections Assistant
>Museum of York County
>4621 Mount Gallant Road,
>Rock Hill, SC 29732-9905
>803-329-2121, ext. 104
>FAX 803-329-5249
>
>=========================================================
>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).

=========================================================
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).