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Preservation of Displayed Collections Policy

It is the policy of the Museum to promote and preserve the physical integrity of exhibited objects as appropriate given the type, purpose, and priorities of each Museum collection: Artifact, Documentary Multimedia, Teaching, Library, and Props and Furnishings.

The Collections Manager is responsible for the exhibition of all Museum collections and all collections-type objects.  The Collections Manager advises the staff involved in exhibiting Museum collections about developing, planning, and implementing appropriate practices.

Artifact Collection

The physical environment of an exhibit and/or its maintenance program must promote the preservation of the objects; therefore it must:

1. Secure objects from physical damage, theft, or vandalism
1. Locking exhibit cases/vitrines
2. Enclosure of objects whenever possible
3. Stanchions (glass or rope) as a boundary
4. Furniture or pedestals to elevate the artifact from the floor
   
2. Be chemically inert
1. No acid migration
2. No off gassing
   
3. Be mechanically inert
1. Non-abrasive
2. Furniture/mounts properly supports objects
   
4. Mitigate the effects of radiation (visible light and invisible light such as UV and IR)
1. Reduction of light on objects where possible
2. Filtered glass/plexi
3. Rotation of photosensitive objects
4. Mounting/ design that discourages differential fading (avoiding folding and layering of photosensitive materials)
5. Monitor lux and UV levels
   
5. Mitigate temperature and relative humidity fluctuations
1. Provide a microclimate for sensitive objects
2. Enclose objects whenever possible
3. Monitor temperature and relative humidity
   
6. Mitigate dust, pests, and fungi
1. Enclosure of objects whenever possible
2. Regular maintenance schedule
3. Active IPM program; see Integrated Pest Management Policy, Part B, #3

Documentary Multimedia Collection

The Collections Manager advises and consults with the Registrar and Director of Information Technology on proper exhibition of the Documentary Multimedia Collection.

Though exhibition of objects from the Documentary Multimedia Collection is rare, they are exhibited according to the standards of preservation outlined in the Artifact Collection section of this policy.

Teaching Collection

The Collections Manager advises and consults with the Education Section on proper exhibition of the Teaching Collection.

Objects from the Teaching Collection are exhibited in room 105 (Multipurpose Learning Center) in a locked case and along the top of cabinets and in a locked case in room 116. Occasionally objects from the Teaching Collection may be exhibited with objects from the Artifact Collection. If the Teaching objects are considered a high priority for preservation then the standards for exhibiting those select teaching objects will be the same standards of preservation outlined in the Artifact Collection section of this policy. If the Teaching objects are considered to be a lower priority for preservation, then the objects may be displayed with more flexibility; for example, the objects may be folded or layered in an exhibit.

Library Collection

The Collections Manager advises and consults with the Registrar on the proper exhibition of the Library Collection.

Objects from the Library Collection are usually not exhibited; however, if needed for exhibition, they will be exhibited in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Props and Furnishings Collection

The Collections Manager advises the appropriate staff on proper exhibition of the Props and Furnishings Collection.

Objects from the Props and Furnishings Collection are exhibited in office spaces, and they are incorporated into exhibits. These objects are not considered a preservation priority for the museum; therefore, they are exhibited in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Spurlock Museum exhibit maintenance and mounting procedures and practices are described in the Collections Management Student Staff Manual and manuals on exhibit mounting; they address the following issues:

1. Glass and plexi cleaning;
   
2. General exhibition cleaning;
   
3. Changing lights;
   
4. Cleaning light boxes;
   
5. Exhibit case opening/closing;
   
6. Basic exhibit security;
   
7. Acceptable materials for use in exhibition construction;
   
8. Shop safety and chart to track employee’s training on power tools;
   
9. Shop maintenance guide;
   
10. Using the compressed air system;
    
11. Metal shop guide;
    
12. Fabrication of T and spider mounts;
    
13. Plexi shaping;
    
14. Block construction and cut sheet;
    
15. Upholstering blocks;
    
16. Wedge construction;
    
17. Graphic installation; wall, case, and reader rail; and
    
18. Photographs and illustrations of materials, equipment, and techniques used in exhibit maintenance and mounting.