[NHCOLL-L:1480] Blue Scales and UV light damage

[Kerrie Hoar]

Hello,

I have a question that is probably very elementary, but I am new to this 
collections preservation business.  We have a case that was made to 
display old books.  The case  is glass fronted and hangs where it gets a 
lot of winter sun.  (I have no control over the placement of the case 
and cannot move it.)  I purchased a blue scales textile card a year ago 
and placed it inside to see how much fading is occurring.  There is 
significant fading in the lightest colored 'swatches'.  Can anyone tell 
me how to "read" a blue scales to determine how fast fading is occurring?

Also, we definitely need to put some sort of UV protective sheeting on 
the glass.  Does anyone have a good source for UV protective sheeting to 
tape to the glass?  I have a catalog from Archival, but I am wondering 
if there are other or better sources.  Also, from what I have read, this 
sheeting yellows -- is it significant? -- meaning "Will it obscure the 
print in the books or make it difficult to see into the cases?  Any help 
you can provide would be great.  Thanks in advance.


Kerrie L. Hoar, M.S.
Department of Biology
University of Wisconsin -- La Crosse
341 Cowley Hall
La Crosse, WI  54601
(608) 785-6459