Skip to Main Content

Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museums Alaska State Museums

Alaskan Ten Agents of Deterioration

Damage from physical forces can occur from both emergencies and more mundane activities. Objects that are stored outdoors are at high risk for damage from the weather (figure 1). The most common cause of physical damage is mishandling in the museum or during transport (figure 2). Over time, gravity can act on poorly supported collections, particularly items that are large or have heavy components. Overcrowded storage areas risk object damage because movement of people and items is challenging (figure 3). Abrasion and vibration damage is also a risk, such as during routine cleaning or when drawers are opened and closed. Exhibit mounts can prevent physical damage from object movement, but can cause damage themselves if they are poorly designed (figure 4). Good storage supports can prevent damage, but poorly selected storage materials can cause problems (figure 5). This section will address object handling, exhibit mounts, and collections storage solutions.

Figure 1
Figure 1: Objects stored outdoors, such as this wooden boat with a tarp on it, are at high risk for damage.
Figure 2
Figure 2: This moose antler suffered a broken tine and scratched the wall when it was being moved.
Figure 3
Figure 3: Crowded storage areas like this one pose a threat because both human and artifact movement are impeded.
Figure 4
Figure 4: The small plexi shelves displaying these baskets did not prevent them from falling when vibration occurred.
Figure 5
Figure 5: The powdery medium of this pastel drawing stuck to the inside of the plastic sleeve it was stored in.

Object Handling

Moving Objects

  1. Tools and jewelry should be removed from body, pockets, and nearby. Rings, watches, belt buckles, and tools in pockets can scrape artifacts. Pulling back long hair and removing scarves prevents entanglement in artifacts, too.
  2. Gloves are the default standard. Occasional exceptions: gloves can reduce dexterity when handling thin paper or glass, and cotton can leave fibers on textiles or snag some surfaces. Nitrile can offer more dexterity than cotton. Large sizes may be more comfortable.
  3. Public should always see you wearing gloves. Never leave objects unattended in public areas, even if area is blocked off.
  4. Examine before you pick it up. Consider weight, broken elements, center of gravity, loose parts. Old age changes stability. Examination will take longer earlier in your career as you develop your senses regarding fragility of objects. Ask about damage you see. This protects you from mistaken liability too.
  5. Plan ahead a clear path, open doors, and safe destination to set object down again. This is the most-overlooked of all object handling rules.
  6. Carts are the safest way to move artifacts. Steering is usually easier on one end. Pads help objects remain stable. Beware floor transitions (elevator!)
  7. Carry objects in a box or tray for more control. Boxes on carts are an excellent way to move artifacts.
  8. Two hands for carrying, even for small artifacts. Don’t hand off to another person… set object down first for the other person to pick up. (Exception: handing item to person on a ladder).
  9. Large items may need two people, or even a third spotter.
  10. Framed? Carry with one hand below frame, one hand on side (not by the wire). Don’t touch back / front of canvas. The damage may not show for years.

In Collections

  1. Work surfaces should be clear of pens, markers, liquids, tools, tape, hot lights, etc. Pencils are always preferred. Work surfaces for artifacts are separate from other activities, such as unpacking or keeping lists.
  2. Measuring? Use a plastic or cloth tape whenever possible. If you must use a ruler or retracting tape measure, use extra caution.
  3. Floor? Not even for a moment! Use foam or padding if you must. Items on the floor are at high risk for flood damage, bumping with carts, kicking, tripping, contractor damage etc.
  4. Stacking (paper, photos, and textiles only, not objects) can be done for short stacks that are always to be carried flat and level with acid-free materials in between each item.
  5. Damage must be reported to the conservator (breakage, loose parts, bugs etc.) If possible, leave it as is until conservator can see it. Do not attempt to fix or alter damage you see. If you see a live bug, capture it on a piece of tape for identification.
  6. Cleaning is a conservation treatment. Do not clean objects unless instructed. Achieving an overall even level of cleaning can be tricky. Some “dirt” also has historical significance. Cleaning is irreversible.
  7. Search padding and packing materials carefully to avoid losing parts. Discarding dirty packing materials is important, but check thoroughly first. Beware black plastic trash bags...artifacts can be mistaken for trash!
  8. Cover objects left out overnight and leave a note, such as “ART BELOW.” Dust/light/water/asbestos etc. Tyvek offers lightweight covering while repelling water.

Basic Concepts

  1. Slow down! If there is a speed urgency, something is already going wrong. Don’t make it worse by rushing.
  2. Patience when accessing things stacked, in the back of shelves, or in drawers without stoppers. Don’t yank something out of the bottom of a pile, or lift objects over other objects if it can be avoided.
  3. Focus on the task at hand. Minimize chatter and take a break if fatigued.
  4. Toxic? Mounts with arsenic, some metal corrosion, dusts/pollens/molds/allergens. Gloves protect you as well as the artifact. Good to wash your hands. Mention if you feel unwell.
  5. Number & notes must not be separated from artifacts. Duplicate if necessary.
  6. Don't test it out. Objects should not be fidgeted with, caressed, or fondled. Includes instruments, machines, fitting together broken edges etc. This is consumptive use. Note opportunistic touching damage in exhibits and train your eye to see the harmful effects.
  7. Every object in our collection or on loan counts, even if it is ugly or broken. We have public trust responsibility and an ethical responsibility to protect anything with a catalog or loan number.

The following PDF is the object handling training the Alaska State Museum gives all staff, volunteers, and interns:

Collection Storage

When the Alaska State Museum moved its collection of 30,000 artifacts into a new facility in 2014, a major upgrade took place for the storage housings protecting each artifact. Not only did this protect the collection in transport, but also gives ongoing protection for years to come. Handling collections by their storage housings reduces the risk of damage as well. Figures 6 and 7 show the before and after of a typical collections drawer:

Figure 6
Figure 6: A drawer of Russian iron before storage upgrade, showing heavy items loose in the drawer.
Figure 7
Figure 7: A drawer of Russian iron after it was repacked for the collections move. Most of the storage boxes, pallets, bumpers, and extra tags were kept after the move, since they facilitate safe object handling.

The following PDFs describe pros and cons of various artifact storage solutions and include many illustrations:

Exhibits

Good exhibit cases, exhibit mounts, and framing do a lot to protect collections on exhibition. Artifact movement to design, install, and deinstall objects presents risks that can be mitigated with proper protocols. Good planning is essential…one of the times museums feel the most rushed is trying to hit an exhibit opening. Those times present heightened risk for collections. If an object is properly installed, it should be safe from routine vibration or even a minor earthquake. Framed items are typically hung on two hooks or on a gravity wedge. Exhibit mounts can be made by specialists to custom fit specific objects (figures 8 and 9). Quality mannequins can prevent damage to fragile textiles (figure 10).

Figure 8
Figure 8: Mount making specialist Jamie Hascall prepares a brass mount for a delicate carved walrus tusk.
Figure 9
Figure 9: Brass mounts hold a marble bust to the wall to prevent it from falling from the pedestal. The mount was later painted to match the wall and visually, it almost disappeared.

Shipping

Transport is a major risk for any museum item, because museum staff have much less control over how objects are handled. Crates may be dropped or subjected to jarring movements or vibration. Forklifts and other equipment can also pose risks (figure 10). The most common packing techniques to reduce risk include double boxing artifacts and using layers of shock absorbing material such as soft urethane foam. For loans, including explicit instructions about repacking can help insure objects are also protected for the return voyage.

Figure 10
Figure 10: This museum shipping crate was punctured by a forklift, narrowly missing the framed photographs inside.

Questions? Contact Us!

Questions? Contact Us! The Alaska State Museum has an outreach mandate to help provide advice and expertise to museum professionals and other caretakers of Alaskan material culture.

Email Ellen at ellen.carrlee@alaska.gov or fill out our online contact form.

Tags: conservation

Copyright © State of Alaska · Alaska State Libraries, Archives, and Museums · Email the Webmaster