Dusting

In response to Pete Jermann's question regarding combining dusting with
bar coding projects--I'm not a big dusting fan.  When there is a heavy
layer of dust, the chief result of using dust cloths (even treated
cloths) is to disturb and redistribute particulate matter.  Any kind of
materials handling, but especially intensive handling, has the same
effect.  For this reason, we try to precede bar coding, shifting, and
other major projects with a vacuuming cycle.  In the case of huge
projects (e.g., bar coding Dewey-classed materials in the general
stacks), we had to compromise, cleaning only in the dustiest areas.

We've found a superb vacuum cleaner for book stacks--the Princess II
manufactured by Health-Mor.  It's features:

    The hose is 10 feet long (most are 7), which makes it possible for
    the operator to stand on a stool and vacuum topmost shelves without
    lifting the machine from the floor.

    The machine has a 25-year rating for residential use (higher than
    many).  It's durable enough to hold up under heavy use and has an
    excellent motor.

    The canister holds 2-1/2 gallons of debris.  No disposal bag is
    required.  Debris is suctioned into the canister itself and the
    canister dumped when full.  A paper cone protects the motor; the
    canister can be filled and emptied about 5 times before the cone is
    replaced; it lifts out easily and a replacement drops in.

    The machine has a good shape--doesn't tip over and has a well-
    positioned carrying handle.

    The machine can capture particles as small as 3 microns, so very
    little debris reenters the air after being vacuumed up.

We ordered a half dozen machines this year, with extra brush attachments
and without power nozzles.  Eliminating the power nozzle reduces the
overall cost of the machine and ensures that it will be used only for
cleaning library collections (since it's the nozzle that provides floor
cleaning capability). In reserving the machines for collections
cleaning, we're trying to buy them a long life and keep brush
attachments as clean as possible. attachments aren't misused.

Glad to answer additional questions--Jan Merrill-Oldham, U Connecticut

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 5:30
                 Distributed: Monday, December 2, 1991
                        Message Id: cdl-5-30-004
                                  ***