Hi Elizabeth
I do not have answers to your first two questions (and being from the US, not sure if suppliers here would help you), however I do have some comments about the last two:
3. I would think that plastic boxes would give you a better buffer against humidity and temperature changes that may be crucial in the long term care of fish scales and otoliths. We purchase our injection molded polystyrene boxes from Durphy packaging for our skeletal collections in ichthyology and herpetology. They have a wide range of hinged and unhinged boxes in various sizes and shapes that are light and chemical resistant. I am sure you can find something that would work for your scale envelopes here - http://www.durphypkg.com/boxes.html.
4. Here in ichthyology and herpetology we use a thermal transfer printing system that prints onto spun bound polyester and creates indestructible labels that stand the test of time - they will not crack, yellow, fade or degrade over time and can be safely used in alcoholic collections. Attached is information about the printer and pricing information from our supplier here in the states, Alpha Systems. I have also attached an article I wrote for the SPNHC newsletter some time ago about this system. We have been using it in our collections for about 15 years now and have been very happy with the results. I have had a non-scientific test going on my window ledge in full sunlight for about the same amount of time with labels in ethanol, formalin and glycerin and the labels look as good as new.
Happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these two products.
Andy
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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager
University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard<x-apple-data-detectors://9>
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561<x-apple-data-detectors://9>
USA<x-apple-data-detectors://9>
Tel: (785) 864-3863<tel:%28785%29%20864-3863>
Fax: (785) 864-5335<tel:%28785%29%20864-5335>
Email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>
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From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Tray (ext)
Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2018 7:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: archiving fish scales
Hi All,
Does anyone have experience in archiving fish scales? If you have experience storing biological material related to ichthyology, then I would greatly appreciate a conversation with you.
I will be preserving a large collection of fish scales that will be used for climate change studies. I'm looking for advice on...
1. The best and most reputable archive storage equipment provider
2. Archive quality containers for storing micro slides horizontally (flat)... slides are 75mm x 25mm
3. An opinion on which will last longer, either cardboard or plastic boxes for storing bundles of small coin envelopes which hold dried biological material
4. The best archive label paper and printer
Thank you for your time and any advice you can give. I would be happy to elaborate on the project and send photographs to anyone who can help.
Kindly,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Tray
Research Assistant, Marine Institute & GMIT
Newport Co. Mayo, Ireland
(+353) 098 42306
https://twitter.com/elizabethtray3
