I was looking through my photos to get inspiration for a different post and I stumbled across this gem. I didn’t even put it through the polaroid-generator thingy, because I wanted you to be able to read it: A five-year-old’s catalog sheet Adorable, right? Now, I realize that when it comes to cataloging museum collections, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Collections Management
Using Tape: A PSA
Today’s post is a Preservation Public Service Announcement. Please don’t use tape (scotch, duct, masking, packing, or any other kind) when working with your stuff! Tape can be very tempting, especially the nice, clear kind. Taping over a tear can make a document seem much more stable. Tape can stop a tear from getting worse, … Continue reading
On a Roll: Textile Storage (part 2)
OKAY. Today, this will be short and sweet. Promise. In my second post about rolling textiles (read the first post here), I want talk about what to do with the rolls when you’re done with them. This is a simple DIY for any museum to build, and is a great way to get some non-collections … Continue reading
On a Roll: Textile Storage (part I)
It’s time for another preservation post! If you’re new to the Museum Minute (welcome!), be sure to catch up with my post on padded hangers and on book preservation. So without further delay (we only have a minute, after all), today’s topic is (drum roll please–no pun intended–) Rolled Textile Storage! Huh? Textiles come in … Continue reading
Conserve O Grams
Ah, Conserve O Grams, a resource near and dear to my heart. To the uninitiated, Conserve O Grams are: “short, focused leaflets about caring for museum objects, published in loose-leaf format. New topics are added as needed and out-of-date issues are revised or deleted.” (from the National Park Service‘s website) In other words, if you’re … Continue reading
Collection = Found!
There is nothing better than discovering–or rediscovering–something neat in your collection. This could be something that you didn’t know existed, something that had been misplaced, or maybe something that was properly documented but you just didn’t know you had it (especially if you’re new on staff and still getting to know the collection.) I recently … Continue reading
Fishing Lessons (not really)
In addition to my many other jobs, I also teach preservation classes for the Des Moines Public Schools Community Education Program. I’ve been teaching a photo preservation class called “Saving Your Family Photos” for about a year and a half now, and will debut a paper and book preservation class this spring. (I believe registration … Continue reading
An Adorable* Museum
One of the most exciting things about being a museum consultant is getting the opportunity to visit with museums of all sizes and with all different kinds of collections. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Eagle Grove Museum, which is housed in an adorable, 1903 Carnegie Library. The Museum has been mostly closed … Continue reading
Remember This: DDCC
Today I want to spend a minute talking about artifact preservation in general. Basic-level artifact preservation can be summed up into four letters: DDCC What’s DDCC, you ask? Well, I made it up. DDCC stands for: Dark, Dry, Cool, & Constant. When you’re getting ready to store–or display–your items (whether they’re heirlooms, museum artifacts or … Continue reading
How To: Books
Speaking of Such a Book Nerd (Friday’s “Friendly Friday” Blog), I’m happy to say that today I am Such a Book Nerd’s guest blogger! Jamie asked me to write a little about book preservation for her readers. I hope they find the information useful–and I hope you do too. Click above to read my guest … Continue reading
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