Collections Care Videos

[StephGaub]

The British Library has created 9 short videos about the care of collections. They are mainly aimed at researchers, but are also good for interns and volunteers. There is no sound to the videos.

http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolpro...eos/index.html

[Museumgirl]

I came across some great resources from the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian website:

This 2004 video gives an overview of the barcoding system and database developed in-house by Registration staff to document and track the NMAI collection through the move process. Please note that some processes illustrated in this video may already have been superseded by new products and procedures, as technology has changed.

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

This 2004 video gives an overview of the equipment and procedures used by NMAI conservators to clean collections items prior to imaging and packing for the move. Nearly every object in NMAI’s collection (except those culturally sensitive items and objects deemed too fragile to be cleaned) was cleaned to remove surface dust and dirt accumulated during years of storage and to remove evidence of past insect infestations.

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

This 2004 video provides an overview of conservation treatments carried out by NMAI staff to stabilize collections objects in preparation for moving. Conservation staff conducted a careful examination of each object before sending it on through the move process. Most often at this point any required stabilization treatment or documentation was minor and could be conducted at the work station so that the object could continue in the move process without delay. Occasionally, objects required more involved conservation treatments; in these cases, the objects were removed for treatment in the conservation laboratory.

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

This 2004 video gives an overview of the process used during crating for the NMAI Move Project. This process was designed around the concept that the collections would be moved by the trailer-load. A modular crate system allowed staff to design a set of standardized box sizes so that crates could be loaded to make the most efficient use of interior trailer space. A reusable, stackable pallet system composed of molded polyethylene/polypropylene bases and tops, joined together with corrugated sleeves, was used to pack objects or trailers. Most of the objects were relatively small, so this process allowed numerous objects to be packed together in a single box.

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

Rehousing: Bumper Inserts

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

PDF: http://www.nmai.si.edu/collections/f...rscounters.pdf

Rehousing: Bean Bag Supports

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

PDF: http://www.nmai.si.edu/collections/f...g_supports.pdf

Rehousing: Pot Rings

Link: National Museum of the American Indian

PDF: http://www.nmai.si.edu/collections/files/pot_rings.pdf

This video is a step-by-step overview of the method for constructing boxes for transport and storage of long weapons. Containers for long weapons in the NMAI collection such as spears, bows, and arrows were designed and fabricated in-house. Boxes of these lengths can have a great amount of flex if carried unsupported, so to avoid introducing stress to the objects during moving, the boxes were designed to be slid onto and off of shelves and lifts. A systematic construction method was created that made it possible to construct large numbers of boxes with a hot-glued miter seam. These boxes have a smooth-bottom surface with rounded edges, do not snag when sliding, and can be stacked.

Link: National Museum of the American Indian