[Nhcoll-l] Storage query

[Jon Ablett]

Hi Mandy,

At the NHM in London we use clear archival/conservation grade press-seal bags and then store these in archival trays. We find this works better than tubes as specimens can be examined without removing them, labels can be stored flat and older labels can be housed in archival pockets. Smaller specimens are kept in glycerin capsules (previously in glass tubes) within the bags.

We don't tend to write the registration on the shell, although this was done in the past. We add a specimen label written on resistol.

I hope this helps. Any questions please let me know.

Jon


Jonathan Ablett
Senior Curator in Charge, Mollusca
Division of Invertebrates
Department of Life Sciences
Natural History Museum
London
SW7 5BD
tel: 020 7942 5996
email: j.ablett at nhm.ac.uk

________________________________
From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] on behalf of Mandy Reid [Mandy.Reid at austmus.gov.au]
Sent: 08 January 2018 04:10
To: Nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Storage query

Hi
I manage the Malacology collection at the Australian Museum in Sydney. Our larger dry specimens (too big for vials) are currently stored in open trays in archival boxes with their labels. The larger specimens each have their registration numbers written in fine ink on the shells. This makes it easier to notice if a shell becomes misplaced in the wrong box and if a tray is dropped they can be matched to registration numbers.

We had a volunteer who did nothing but write on shells for 30 years. This volunteer is now over 90 years old and has, at last, resigned her post.

I am trying to explore alternative and less labour intensive storage and am wondering how other museums deal with dry shell collections. I have thought of press-seal bags but am not sure how plastic might affect shells in the long term, and it is likely these may get caught when trays are slid in and out of drawers. Clear bags would be preferred.

If anyone has any suggestions


Dr Mandy Reid

Collection Manager, Malacology | Australian Museum Research Institute
Australian Museum  1 William Street Sydney NSW 2010 Australia
T 61 2 9320 6412 | M 61 431 829 842 | F 61 2 9320 6253

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