Category Archives: IPM-Working Group

2017 IPM Working Group – a library conservator’s experience

I was delighted to have the privilege of representing Columbia University Libraries at the 2017 Integrated Pest Management Working Group meeting, hosted by Winterthur Museum.  Colleagues from Columbia University Libraries have participated in many past IPM working groups and we have benefited greatly from the relationship with these lovely pest experts! Despite differences in the nature of our collections, libraries and museums face many of the same pest management issues and there is much we can learn from each other.

In the course of the meeting this year, several participants gave presentations on projects at their home institutions. I presented on two pest-related issues facing libraries:

  • Mold and pests in new acquisitions of archival collections
  • “Stowaway” organic materials tucked in books and archives that require special treatment and storage

For example, while processing the Charles Frederick Chandler Papers at Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library in 2011, the archivist discovered a letter from 1870 written by an anonymous source to the editor of a local paper, complaining that his daughter bought candies at a “first-class confectioner” near Union Square and found a cockroach inside one. The writer enclosed the candy, which still encloses the bug—147 years later!

Conservators created a custom enclosure to isolate the letter and its unusual contents for safe storage within the archive. The letter was hinged in a window mat deep enough to protect the candy and insect from crushing, and the entire package was encapsulated in Mylar.

I also shared our recent experiences with remediation of newly acquired archival collections. Fellow participants gave helpful suggestions for addressing the challenges of handling large collections with limited storage space and staff time.

From my fellow participants, I was excited to learn more about public awareness campaigns led by IPM coordinators within their own institutions to increase support for IPM efforts among staff, from security to visitor services to upper management. A common theme emerging from these success stories was the essential role of educating staff about the “why” behind IPM policies and instilling a sense of pride and responsibility for the preservation of our collections.

It was inspiring to collaborate with such a diverse team of highly-motivated experts. Thank you for a great meeting, IPM Working Group! See you next year!

 

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IPM Working Group Meeting 2017 PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Sponsored by Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
March 15 – 17, 2017

This year’s host institution, Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, is fairly new to the fold of the Integrated Pest Management Working Group (IPM-WG).  We are grateful for their willingness to provide a welcome meeting space. 

As always, the IPM Working Group meetings are designed to help institutions with active IPM programs by bringing individuals together to tackle projects related to particular pest-related challenges.  All information resulting from these collaborations are placed on the MuseumPest.net website for the benefit of the cultural heritage community. 

The program is scheduled for 2.5 days, beginning the afternoon of March 15th, with optional tours held across several locations within Winterthur’s Museum, Galleries, Research Building and Gardens.  Planned tours will highlight Winterthur’s collection of early American Decorative Arts, its naturalistic garden, conservation labs and the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC).

The following two days (March 16-17) will return to the traditional IPM-WG schedule focusing on further development of the online content for the MuseumPest.net website.  Short 5-10 minute presentations by participants on IPM-related activities and/or projects at their home institutions are interspersed with the work sessions.  If you would like to present to the group, please indicate your interest when you RSVP for the meeting.

There is no fee for attending the program; however, participants are responsible for their own travel, room and board.  Additionally, participants are expected to take on an assignment that will result in content for the MuseumPests.net website. The two and a half day program is by invitation only as space is limited.

To request a spot please RSVP by e-mailing: thechair@museumpests.net including: “IPM-WG 2017 Meeting” in the subject line. Your request must include:

Name
Address (Company/institution)
Phone #
E-mail
A paragraph with a description of your IPM responsibilities/projects/institutional needs.

RSVP’s will be accepted through March 1st, 2017 or until spots are filled.  Priority will be given to returning participants on a first-come, first-served basis and to new participants who are actively involved in an IPM program in their institution.  

Please note: The IPM-WG meetings do not teach IPM and are only appropriate for individuals working with an active IPM program.  For more information on establishing a program, please consult the general information on MuseumPests.net

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