Polyester film and shelving

Betty Steckman <bsteckman [at] njstatelib__org> writes

>A local library is planning to use a mylar-type product as a
>protective barrier on their shelving in a special collection. They
>have asked me how to fasten the mylar sheets to the shelves so they
>don't slip when books are slid off and reshelved. What would be
>considered good practice here? I am assuming the shelves are wood,
>although they may be metal shelving that is not powder-coated.

I have used foil-backed frame sealing tape to close off edges of
shelving with good barrier materials on front and back.  Its
suitability would depend on the amount of "traffic" the shelving
would undergo, as I suspect it would wear away under constant
rubbing.  It is nice because it is pressure sensitive, but has a
foil barrier to keep the adhesive from offgassing into ambient air.
It does form a nice seal around all edges, and ideally would trap
any offgassing from leaving the inside of the enveloped shelf.  It
comes in two widths, 1 1/4 or 3 inches.  I got mine through
University Products, Lineco brand.  We have not had ours up very
long, so I can't give any reports of how satisfied I am with it in
the long-run. Best of luck, and curious about other people's
suggestions,

Juliette Rogers
Collections Manager
Stephen Phillips Trust House
Salem, Mass.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:11
                  Distributed: Thursday, July 12, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-11-005
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