Hello List,

Again I am looking toward your experiences and expertise for some guidance in a decision being made for the library project I am engaged. The historical society has decided to repaint the library in the coming weeks and their is some question as to the type of paint to be used. This is significant because the bookshelves in the library are wooden and would be painted along with the walls and ceiling. Many of the books are old, plus we do have a good amount of archival materials that are currently not stored in proper recepticles (were working on it!) that would placed on shelves until recepticles were procured.

My question is based on both shelf storage of archival and library materials, would it be best to use a latex based or oil based paint. Optimally, we would love to have metal shelving but reality being what it is thats currently not an option. So, we are essentially looking to choose among the lesser or two evils in this case.

I know a little bit about the pros and cons of each in regards to durability, wear, etc. But I am more concerned with hearing from anyone who might be able to shed some light on the pros and cons for either or each in regards to their effects on archival and library type materials and their direct contact

Any opinions, advice, etc is greatly appreciated

Thank you,

Doug Baldwin