[NHCOLL-L:1087] Boxes for skeletal collections

[David L Dyer]

Can anyone recommend a good source for cardboard boxes to house mammal
skeletal collections? We use small, clear hinged plastic boxes for small
skeletons but need to purchase larger boxes for complete skeletons and
large skulls (such as deer and bear). The boxes available from standard
archival suppliers are great, but at $7 - $10 each are too expensive when
hundreds are needed. Also, are acid-free boxes necessarily needed for
skeletal collections? We always line each box with archival polyethylene
foam and wonder if this would negate the need for acid-free boxes.

Another question, I would be interested in hearing other collections'
policies regarding the handling of mammal and bird study skins in the
permanent collection. Do you require the use of gloves for handling of any
specimen, or just with potential arsenic specimens?

Thanks for your input!

Dave




David Dyer, Curator
Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum
Division of Biological Sciences
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812