For those of our members still working the message below from the OMA has
good advice, which may be useful to archival institutions.  If anyone has
questions about handling the current energy emergency with respect to
archival holdings I would be happy to help and can be contacted at the
following numbers and email.

Iona McCraith
AAO Preservation Consultant
Bethany, Ontario
Tel: (705) 277-1309
Fax: (705) 277-2091
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

****************************************************************************
**********
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ontario Museum Association" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Ontario Museum Association" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2003 11:09 AM
Subject: OMA Current e-News Aug. 20, 2003 Conserving collections and
electricity


OMA Current e-News

Conserving collections and electricity

August 20, 2003

As the province continues to encourage electricity conservation to avoid any
future power blackouts, the Ontario Museum Association has gathered museum
advice from professional colleagues.

The general practice for museums is to refer to their governing authority to
establish levels of operation. The municipal emergency preparedness plan
provides the guidelines to be followed by municipal museums. You should also
refer to your museum's emergency preparedness plan. The OMA would like to
emphasize the following:

Security- The security of our museum collections and museum staff is the
priority. Museums should be fully aware of the adequacy of their security
and backup systems in case of power failures. Make sure you know how long
your battery power will last. Similarly, exterior lighting for building and
staff security should be maintained to avoid arson, vandalism or theft. If
security systems are not adequate then consider hiring security staff or
organizing regular visits to check the site.

Working conditions- Where personnel is concerned, working conditions should
meet employment standards and follow health and safety guidelines.

Collections storage and exhibition areas- Museums need to maintain adequate
temperature and humidity levels in their museums and storage areas. Extreme
temperature or humidity fluctuations are most disruptive to the stability of
artifacts and buildings and should be avoided at all costs.

Temporary closure of your museum may be the best option. If your collections
are particularly sensitive, lights should be turned off, and temperature
should be monitored as well as relative humidity levels. Proper ventilation
is key. In some instances you may want to consider using fans, however,
ensure they are not affecting sensitive artifacts. Similarly, on lower
floors, or the cellars of historic sites, you may want to consider using
dehumidifiers. Using common sense will go a long way.

The Association will update the community with more precise information on
temperature and humidity levels when the Canadian Conservation Institute and
Ministry of Culture resume operation. We want to ensure that Ontario's
museum collections are protected, while meeting the Ministry Standards for
Community Museums during this emergency.

Contact:
Marie G. Lalonde
Executive Director
Tel. 416-348-8672 Toll Free 1-866-OMA-8672
Email [log in to unmask]