Hi Dale,
I suggest you get a copy of Sturm et al. (Eds) 2006, "The Mollusks: a guide to their study, collection and preservation". See http://malacological.org/molluskguide.html
Full of good stuff.
Regards,
Paul Callomon
Collection Manager, Malacology, Invertebrate Paleontology and General Invertebrates
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19103-1195, USA
[log in to unmask] Tel 215-405-5096 - Fax 215-299-1170
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From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2017 2:13 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] How Much Humidity for a Shell Collection?
AZ State U is expanding the space for our natural science collections and one issue that has come up is what level of humidity might be best for all the collections. We are currently housed in a preexisting building that was not designed for collections, and we are gaining most of the rest of that building and the interior will be remodeled a little.
We have plants, mammals, fish in alcohol, insects, and of course, shells. All will be in a building with only one level of humidity. National Parks Services recommends keeping humidity around 40-60% for most collections, and adds that shells, bones and teeth could be more susceptible to damage at much lower humidity. Some are asking for lower humidity of around 16% for insects.
I should add that this expansion has been granted because of the donation of a huge insect collection (mainly weevils and leaf hoppers),and the space is primarily to house that collection, and I expect first regard will be for that. However, the (dry) mollusk collection will use part of the space with the insects. I don't believe a closing doorway to isolate the shells will be part of the plans for the expansion.
Do any of you have experience with housing such collections and could you offer any suggestions regarding an appropriate level of humidity?
Thanks,
Dale Snyder
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