-------- Original Message --------
Subject: spray painting map cases
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 14:11:23 -0500
From: "ahudson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]

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Dear Mapsters,

NYPL Map Div. is about to undergo renovation. [yes, your prayers for our
recovery are welcome!]

One aspect of the work we are considering is to spray paint the map
cases,
rather than purchase new [inferior] cases or flat files.

We are  concerned about processes; protection of the collections;
off-gassing; costs, etc.

We have some 300,000 maps in 3-5 drawer units here in the rooms to be
renovated. Another 100,000+ are in storage,and probably will not be
painted.

Just wonder what others have experienced with spray painting; and long
term
effects...chipping? vapors?

Any input from the map library community is most welcome as we approach
Armageddon [and I do not mean Osama, I mean Renovation!]

Alice H.

Alice C. Hudson
Chief, Map Division
The Humanities and Social Sciences Library
The New York Public Library
5th Avenue & 42nd Street, Room 117
New York, NY 10018-2788

[log in to unmask]; 212-930-0589; fax 212-930-0027

http://nypl.org/research/chss/map/map.html

The true meaning of life is to plant trees,
                  under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
                                                              - Nelson
Henderson