--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 10:05:18 -0600
From: Michael Miller <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: RE: Map preservation question <fwd>
Sender: Michael Miller <[log in to unmask]>


The best option would be C) leave them flat (and encapsulate, if desired)
and identify alternate storage solutions (larger flat storage cabinets).
However, if you must choose between A) or B), choose A) and FOLD, not cut,
the map. Folding the map can be undone at a later date with relative ease,
but you cannot "uncut" the map. Cutting the map also will weaken the overall
tensile strength of the map. When conserving works on paper, you want to
find the least possible treatment so you minimize the potential to do harm
to the work (all treatments are harmful in some way).

Good luck.

Michael C. Miller
Special Collections Librarian
Dallas Public Library, Texas/Dallas History & Archives Division
1515 Young St.
Dallas TX 75201
214-670-1440
fax: 214-670-1437
[log in to unmask]
Visit us at http://dallaslibrary.org



-----Original Message-----
From: Johnnie Sutherland [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 2:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Map preservation question <fwd>


--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 23:28:28 -0500
From: Mary Douglass <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Map preservation question
Sender: Mary Douglass <[log in to unmask]>


Here at Seattle Public Library we have embarked on a project to encapsulate
the older, fragile maps in our Seattle map collection.  We now have
questions about the process of handling larger maps (ones that clearly
don't fit flat in a standard map case drawer), and I would love your
feedback. Should we:
A) cut or fold the map in half so that the encapsulated product has two
sides - front and back, or B) cut the map in half and encapsulate the two
halves separately?  Obviously each option has its pros and cons:  A) the
two sides of the map will not get separated, but you cannot view the map as
a whole; B) the two halves could get separated or lost, but you can put the
two pieces together to view the whole.  And please remember that these
preservation efforts are being done primarily to increase patron access to
these maps rather than to preserve them as archival material.
Your opinions on the matter will be much appreciated!

Mary Douglass <[log in to unmask]>

--- End Forwarded Message ---
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