[NHCOLL-L:1389] dry fish scales

[Holly I. McEntee]

Hello all.  I have a question about the storage of dried fish scales.

We have a large collection of dried fish scales collected annually
(starting in 1981) from 7 Wisconsin lakes.  I understand that the scales
are used to age the fish from which they were collected.  The scales are
currently stored in little (3 x 4 inches) manilla envelopes that are not
acid-free.  The lake, collection date, and species code are written in
pencil on the front of the envelopes and the envelopes are filed somewhat
unceremoniously (crammed) into shoebox-sized cartons with lids.  The boxes
are stored in a cabinet in a room where the lights are turned on only
occasionally.

The scales are not accessed that often (maybe once a year) but I am
concerned that the abrasiveness of the envelopes and the filing method
might cause the scales to break or pulverize.  I don't know boo about fish
scale dating techniques but can see some simple mechanical problems with
this storage system.  Would it be best to recommend transferring the scales
into a different type of envelope?  If so, what type?  Am I worrying
unneccessarily?  As always, thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Sincerely,
Holly


Holly McEntee, Registrar and Permits Coordinator
University of Wisconsin Zoological Museum
Lowell E. Noland Zoology Building
250 N. Mills Street
Madison, WI  53706-1794
 
Phone/Fax:  608-262-3766/5395
hmcentee at facstaff.wisc.edu
http://www.wisc.edu/zoology/museum/museum.html