[Nhcoll-l] Seeking opinions on longevity of fluid preserved collections

[Robert Waller]

We are asking for your response to a short 1-3 minute, 6 question survey regarding fluid preservation.
Data will immediately be rendered anonymous and will only be presented in statistical compilations.
For a collection risk assessment we want to estimate the Net Present Value of extending the life of a fluid preserved collection by reducing room temperature slightly (a few °C or °F), hence reducing thermal degradation (all combined chemical processes other than evaporation of preservative).
To achieve this, we want an understanding of approximately how long we should expect a fluid-preserved specimen to retain its usefulness for about half (50%) of its current uses (however you construe that statement; perhaps considering teaching, display, morphological measurements, x-ray radiography, dissection, stomach contents, parasites, etc.) We understand that often it may be more that difficulty in use increases rather than a subset of uses simply disappear but we ask you to respond to the question as posed as well as you can.

  1.  You might say 100, 300, 500, 1000 years, or other approximate number of years. It is that kind of ballpark estimate we are looking for.
  2.  We will assume normal room temperatures, generally 20°C to 25°C 90% of the time, and ask you to provide a response to override that assumption if your experience base is much different.
  3.  Indicate the fluid preservative you are considering (e.g., 70% ethanol; 50%isopropanol; other). If you have extensive experience with more than one preservative solution, then please respond first for ethanol or isopropanol. If you want to respond to a second or third preservative solution then send separate responses for each.
  4.  The taxonomic group(s) you are considering in formulating your response. Again that can be as general as “fish” or “herps” or more specific - however you feel most comfortable responding.
  5.  Indicate the experience perspective (research, collection management, education, etc.) you are reporting from.
  6.  Approximate (years or decades) length of experience you are drawing upon.
You could number your responses (1-6) or respond directly in the following table:
1
Estimated life (years):

2
Taxonomic groups considered:

3
Preservative solution:

4
Typical storage temperature:
20°C to 25°C 90% of the time, or:
5
Experience perspective:

6
Length of experience:
                  □ years or □ decades
We will report back to this distribution list the results of this survey, and our understanding of their implications, by mid September. Please reply off list to survey20190815 at protectheritage.com<mailto:survey20190815 at protectheritage.com>
Thank you for your help,
Rob

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