-------- 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] ------------------ 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