Physical description

Enhancing Access to and Use of Richter's Data

Physical Description of the Collection

by Nancy McCall

Quantity - 1,115 cubic feet.
Range of formats - Logbooks (800), activity charts (15,000 to 20,000) Esterline Angus charts (20,000), skin resistance charts (1,500 to 2,000), still photographs (1,000), lantern slides and photographic negatives (7,000).(1)
Media - Paper is the prevailing medium. Included are many different types of paper, from tracing tissue and coated recording strips to cardboard and poster paper. There is also a considerable amount of cellulose acetate in photographic negatives and lantern slides.
Unusual characteristics - A distinguishing feature of the collection is the complex physical construction of various types of records. Layers of different materials from recording strips and tracing paper to photographs are superimposed upon paper charts, which are glued to stiffened pieces of cardboard.
Condition - Records that were stored on open shelves in the laboratory still have a high degree of lead paint particles and plaster dust after several cleaning and abatement efforts. Mixed media records are beginning to come apart as glue and other binding agents break down. Paper with high acid content is becoming brittle.

Note

1. These figures are based upon an inventory that was made in preparation for the move from the laboratory. Since the records have not been processed, there is not a more precise count of items.

Intellectual description of the collection

Enhancing Access to and Use of Richter's Data