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Environmental Analysis:

Maps & Prints Study Collection

Research Building Library

5th Stack Level, North Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Melissa King Preventive Block

WUDPAC Class of 2020 September 7th, 2017

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1.   OVERVIEW Maps and Prints Storage is located on the 2nd floor or the 5th stack level in the northeast corner of the

Research Building. There is one entrance into the room, a locked doorway to the Library Stacks and no

external windows (fig. 1). The room is included in a partitioned section of the building with continually

closed glass doors that runs off of the same HVAC system (Beebe, pers. comm.).1 The north and east

walls are both exterior walls; the south wall abuts the emergency stairwell and the Library Stacks; and

the west wall is adjacent to the Belknap Room and the hallway. Above the room is the Objects

Conservation laboratory and the Prints and Paper laboratory. Below the room is the library’s Stack Level

4 North.

Fig. 1. Map of Maps & Prints Library and storage room.

1  Maps and Prints Room is supplied by RAC #3 and Reheat Coil #9 (there are 4 reheat coils that feed off of RAC #3)  

Sprinkler head

Ceiling light

HVAC vent

Airflow from

HVAC

Burnt out/low

emission ceiling light

Data logger

Pest trap

Missing ceiling

panel

Maps & Prints Library

2nd Floor Research BuildingWinterthur Museum, Library & Garden

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This room contains a variety of paper-centered objects, including: maps, prints, wallpaper, books,

fraktur and framed paper objects. There are also objects such as copper plates, reversed painted glass,

wooden frames, and historic watercolor kits (Irving, pers. comm.). The room contains a large table and

chairs, and is often used as a classroom and for study. Access to the room is limited to

collections/curatorial, conservation, registration, art handlers, exhibition staff, and advanced studies

(Irving, pers. comm.). The majority of the collection is stored within flat drawers/boxes in metal and

wooden cabinets; and wooden vertical frame storage. There are some objects stored above cabinets

within custom archival cardboard boxes, and several objects without any housing in both the northeast

and northwest corner of the room (figs. 2, 3).

Fig. 2. unhoused objects in the northwest corner including: a textile fire screen, a painted plaster and wood bust, and the open vertical frame storage

Fig. 3. unhoused objects in the northeast corner including: block printed cardboard hat box

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2.   PESTS There are currently four pest traps in the room (fig. 1).2 The traps have not been labeled with a number

or entered into the Preventive Conservation’s Integrated Pest Management shared document. The last

date listed on the traps is August 28 with no reference to the year. It is likely that these traps were

replaced in 2017 since the traps are relatively clean of insects and particulates. There are rotating staff

members that are responsible for changing out this room (Baumann, pers. comm.). The trap in the

northeast corner of the room had a pencil note on the trap that says, “carpet beetle,” and a dead black

carpet beetle was found in the trap in the southeast corner of the room on September 3, 2017 (Mickletz,

pers. comm.).

There is concern for pests within the room due to the regular access of visitors (Farek, pers. comm.). It

would be beneficial to implement a more regimented collection of data. An additional pest trap should

be placed centered along the northern wall in between frame storage shelving (figs. 4,5). The location is

below an open ceiling panel and possible entry-point for pests. The area is dense with collections, and

close to one of the traps that had a carpet beetle. Storage in this area is largely vertical frame storage,

which is semi-open, narrow and difficult to clean. These storage compartments may be a place for

proteinaceous materials such as hair and skin particulates to gather, which could attract dermestids

(Mickletz, pers. comm.).

2  Catchmaster® Mouse and Insect Glue Trap  

Fig. 4 (left) and Fig. 5 (right) showing suggested location for new pest trap

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3.   POLLUTANTS Particulates are of concern since the Maps & Prints Study Collection is highly visited for study and class

purposes (Wickens, 2017a). A majority of the objects are enclosed within storage units aside for the few

unhoused objects and the objects within the vertical frame storage. It would be useful to monitor the

amount of dust that is able to collect within the vertical frame storage to determine what types of

particulates are collecting in these areas. This can be done by comparing these tests to known samples of

particulates (Grzywacz, 2006). Other locations to test for dust collection would be in the northeast and

northwest corners near the unhoused at-risk objects.

Qualitative monitoring of pollutants with the use of metal coupons would determine the need for further

investigation if corrosion product is formed (Grzywacz, 2006). A set of lead, silver and copper metal

coupons should be placed near the supply vents to test for the introduction of outdoor pollutants. A set

of metal coupons should also be placed within one of the wooden cabinets to check for aldehydes and

organic acids, which are known to off-gas from some wood types (ASHRAE 2015).

4.   TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY Data from the wireless data logger3 was analyzed using eClimate Notebook software to compare with

Winterthur’s updated Environmental Management Policy4. The temperature for the room remained

within the limits 100% of the time in 2016. Within the same year, the RH remained within the limits

95.9% of the time. There were a few instances in January, February, and December when the relative

humidity dropped below the recommended 30% RH, but these drops were never greater than a 10%

change in RH within 24 hours. At 10 a.m. on August 7, 2016 the relative humidity increased by 20%

within an hour, which mimics a drastic increase in relative humidity outdoors four hours earlier.

3 Honeywell™ H7625 wired humidity/temperature sensor. Operating range and accuracy: 0-100% RH, ±2% from 20 to 95% RH; +/- 0.4° F accuracy 4  The new guidelines were implemented in June 2016 and stat that there should be a stable temperature within a range of 60-77° F, with a summer relative humidity (40-65% within the range an allowable fluctuation of +/- 10% in 24 hours), and a winter relative humidity (30-55% within the range an allowable fluctuation of +/- 10% in 24 hours) (Guidelines sheet).  

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Additional temperature and relative humidity measurements were taken using an Elsec 765®5. Over four

days, three different measurements were taken from seven specified locations around the room. The

average relative humidity data from the Elsec 765® was between 5-7% different from the wired data

logger readings taken at the same time and recorded in eClimate Notebook (table 1). This could mean

that the wired data logger is not a good representation of the entire room, but the deviation is within the

range of accuracy on the two instruments. There was a negligible difference in the average temperatures

when compared to the wired data logger (see Appendix 1).

Table 1. Relative Humidity (RH) and Temperature Readings Comparison Date Outdoors6

RH Temp Data Logger RH Temp

Average7 RH Temp

9/3/2017 6:20 p.m.

57% 74° F

38% 67° F

44.2% 67.2° F

9/4/2017 4:00 p.m.

36% 81° F

38% 64° F

45.64% 66.1° F

9/6/2017 1:00 p.m.

85% 66° F

39.5% 65° F

44.26% 67.1° F

5.   VISIBLE AND ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT The lights in the room are fluorescent bulbs8 with the fixture lens ultraviolet (UV) filters (Truax, pers.

comm.). These fixture lenses can fail over time, which results in the emittance of UV radiation (Truax,

pers. comm.). There were some locations around the room that gave off a UV reading to the Elsec 765®,

however these readings were below the recommended UV exposure for the most light-sensitive objects

within the room,9 and the museum should aim to completely eliminate UV whenever possible.

5  0-100% RH measurement with +/- 3.5% accuracy, temperature accuracy: +/- 0.5°F 6  Data was collected on a sunny day from the Wilmington Airport. 7  The statistical mean of the 7 locations recorded (not including the wired data logger). 8 Philips 281535 - F32T8/TL835/ALTO 9  0-3.75 milliwats per square meter  based on the updated Winterthur guidelines  

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There is a separate light switch panel in the northeast corner of the room, which controls the two

northern rows of lights and singular eastern row, “northern lights” (see fig. 9 in appendix 2). The rest of

the lights, “study lights,” can be controlled from the switch panel on the outside of the entrance, and

these lights are responsible for lighting the table and research area. The light levels were recorded for

three different lighting configurations (appendix 2) using an Elsec 765® in four specific locations seen

in table 2.10

Table 2. Light Readings with and without Northern Lights On

Study Table Unhoused

Objects (NE corner)

Unhoused objects (NW corner)

Within the Vertical Frame Storage

All lights on

798 lux 408 lux 359 lux 106 lux

Only “study lights” on

750 lux 36 lux 45 lux 5.8 lux

Only “northern lights” on

15.5 lux 337 lux 209 lux 85.1 lux

Based on these readings it is evident that if the “northern lights” are left off there is little change in the

lux levels at the “study table.” This section of the room is the most heavily used and requires the most

light. There was a significant difference for the exposed objects in the room that are at the greatest risk

to light damage.11 Joan Irving reported that the “northern lights” are consistently left on, and the “study

lights” are used regularly. If the “northern lights” are left on 24 hours a day, the objects in the vertical

frame storage will receive 745,476 lux hours/year, which is far beyond the Winterthur guidelines for this

collection of 55,000 lux hours/year. The objects most at risk to light damage within the room see a

significant change in cumulative exposure per year if the “northern lights” are used sparingly.

6. FUTURE ANALYSES The relative humidity and temperature largely remained within the recommended guidelines. Based on

the data and analysis of the room, it is recommended that a wireless data logger12 be installed to take

10  Orientation of the meter remained the same  11  The updated Winterthur guidelines recommends 50 lux or less for textiles, paper, books, watercolor, and other organic materials.  12 T&D RTR-574 Illuminance UV Recorder with relative humidity and temperature reading capabilities. Accuracy: Vis 10 – 100,000 lux: +/1 5% at 25°C and 50% RH, UV 0.1 – 30 mW/cm2

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additional readings in relative humidity, temperature, ultraviolet and lux levels. The data logger should

be installed and secured with museum wax within one of the vertical frame storage compartments on the

northern wall (figs. 6, 7). The temperature and relative humidity sensor should be applied to the

southward face of the shelf using museum wax. This placement should help us to better understand the

variances in relative humidity in temperature from the original Honeywell data logger. Readings in this

location showed the greatest deviation and the location is close to both exterior walls in the space. The

light reader should be applied with museum wax to in the inside wall of the storage compartment as

close to the outer edge as possible. This reading will mimic potential light damage to the objects within

the vertical frame storage most affected by the “northern lights.” The reading will also be able to give a

better idea about the amount of lux hours the exposed objects in that portion of the room receive within

a year,13 and may inform a future strategy for light usage within the room. With the addition of a new

pest trap and active recording of pest activity, it will be possible to have a better idea about the pest risks

for this space. There are no obvious risks of pollutants, but qualitative monitoring and analysis of dust

particles can provide a direction for future testing if needed.

13 The updated Winterthur guidelines recommends less than 55,000 lux hours per year for this type of collection.  

Figs. 6, 7 Recommended location T&D RTR-574 Illuminance UV Recorder

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Bibliography ASHRAE Handbook – Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Applications. 2015. Atlanta, Ga: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Automation and Control Solutions. 2010. h7625, h7635, h7655 series 2000 humidity/temperature sensors. Cut sheet. Honeywell International Inc. Baumann, J. 2017. Personal Communication. Rotunda, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE. Farek, E. 2017. Personal Communication. Prints & Maps Library, Winterthur Research Building, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE. Grzywacz, C. M. 2006. Monitoring for gaseous pollutants in museum environments. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute. Irving, J. 2017. Personal Communication. Paper Conservator and Affiliated Assistant Professor. Paper Conservation Laboratory, Winterthur Research Building, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE. Mickletz, M. 2017. Lecture. Preventive Conservation Supervisor. Lecture presented at Winterthur Research Building, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE. Wickens, J. 2017a. Lecture. Winterthur Associate Conservator, Preventive Team Head, and Winterthur Assistant Professor in Art Conservation. Research Building, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Wilmington, DE. Wickens, J. 2017b. Personal Communication. Winterthur Associate Conservator, Preventive Team Head, and Winterthur Assistant Professor in Art Conservation. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Winterthur, DE Truax, M. 2017. Lecture. Winterthur Lighting Specialist. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

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Appendix 1. ELSEC 765® TEMPERATURE AND RH READINGS

Table 3. Elsec765® Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Dewpoint Readings

Entrance

Study Table

SE Corner

NE Corner

Vertical Frame

NW Corner

Office

Wilmington, DE

9/3/17 6:20 p.m.

RH: 38.2% DP: 44.6 °F Temp:    71.6  °F  

RH: 45.7% DP: 44.1 °F Temp:  65.5  °F

RH: 43.1% DP: 44.8 °F Temp:  67.8  °F

RH: 44.5% DP: 44.6 °F Temp:  66.9  °F

RH: 46.4% DP: 45.3°F  Temp:  66.4  °F

RH: 46.5% DP: 44.8 °F  Temp:  66.4  °F

RH: 45.1% DP: 44.1 °F  Temp:  66.2  °F

RH: 62.5% DP: 60 °F  Temp:    72  °F

9/4/17 4:00 p.m.

RH: 41.7% DP: 44.4 °F  Temp:    68.4  °F

RH: 47.6% DP: 44.2 °F  Temp:  64.6  °F

RH: 47.5% DP: 44.4 °F  Temp:  64.9  °F

RH: 46.6% DP: 44.4 °F  Temp:  65.3  °F

RH: 45.5% DP: 44.6 °F  Temp:  66.2  °F

RH: 46.0% DP: 46.2 °F  Temp:  66.4  °F

RH: 44.6% DP: 44.6 °F  Temp:  66.9  °F

RH: 43% DP: 58 °F  Temp:    80  °F

9/6/17 1:00 p.m.

RH:38.1% DP: 44.4 °F  Temp:    70.9  °F

RH:42.9% DP: 44.1 °F  Temp:  67.1  °F

RH:46.6% DP: 44.8 °F  Temp:  66.2  °F

RH:44.3% DP: 43.3 °F  Temp:  65.5  °F

RH:49.1% DP: 45.5 °F  Temp:  65.3  °F

RH:48.0% DP: 46.0°F  Temp:  65.8  °F

RH:40.8% DP: 44.2 °F  Temp:  68.7  °F

RH: 38.2% DP: 44.6 °F  Temp:  71.6  °F

Fig. 8 Map showing Elsec 765® reading locations

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Appendix 2. ELSEC 765® LIGHT LEVEL MEASUREMENTS

Fig. 9 Elsec 765® Light Measurement Locations and Light Switch Regions

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Figs 10-13. Light meter specific locations and orientations (clockwise starting at top left): Study Table, Unhoused Objects (NE Corner), Unhoused Objects (NW Corner), Within the Vertical Storage