Caring for Cultural Material 1

Caring for Cultural Material 2

Damage and Decay

Managing Collections

Managing People

Handling, Transportation, Storage and Display

Glossary

Index

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Damage and Decay
In this volume:
– Light and Ultraviolet Radiation
arrow Humidity and Temperature
– Biological Pests
– Dust and Pollutants
– Common Deterioration Processes
– Acknowledgments
Humidity and Temperature
In this chapter:
– Objectives
– Introduction
– What is relative humidity?
– How does relative humidity change?
– Why worry about relative humidity and temperature?
– Can the damage be prevented?
– Identifying the source of the problem
– What can be done to minimise damage?
– Modifying the conditions in buildings
– A word of caution about travelling exhibitions and loans
– In an ideal world …
– Australia’s climatic zones
  MORE ABOUT RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE
– Measuring relative humidity
– Dehumidifiers
– Humidifiers and steam generators
– The use of silica gel
– For further reading
– Self-evaluation quiz
arrow Answers to self-evaluation quiz

 

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Humidity and Temperature

Answers to self-evaluation quiz

Question 1.

Answer: d) is false.

Question 2.

Answer: b) is correct. a), c) and d) are incorrect. Bark paintings and vellums absorb moisture. This can cause changes in shape and distortion. Mounted vellums sag. Moulds thrive.

Question 3.

Answer: e).

Question 4.

Answer: b). The emphasis should be on stability.

Question 5.

Answer: c).

Question 6.

Answer: a) and c) are true.

Question 7.

Answer: e).

Question 8.

Answer: a) is correct. b), c) and d) are not correct. It is no use shutting doors and windows to keep mould spores out because they are everywhere anyway. Dehumidifiers should be used only as a remedial measure to adjust a dangerously wet environment. In warm, humid conditions, you should avoid sealing objects in plastic, because it will not allow them to breathe, creating a risk of mould growth.

Question 9.

Answer: a) and b). You could install airconditioning; but it's not completely necessary if you are able to create suitable microclimates. Steam generators should only ever be used to adjust a dangerously dry environment.

Question 10.

Answer: e) and f). The methods used will depend on the object type.

 

 

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