Re: Compact shelving and fluorescent vs. incandescent lighting?

[<BMITCHEL@UKANVM.BITNET>]

Whatever light source you use, make certain that the lights are ON ONLY when
the space is actively in use; with compact shelving I could imagine an inter-
lock that turned on lights only above the aisle in use; if not done automati-
cally, do it manually.  Saves books, money, energy.  A quantity of incandes-
cents will produce a lot of unnecessary ambient heat, as well a heat build-up
(from infrared radiation) in nearby objects such as top-shelf books, so I'd
favor fluorescents SO LONG AS the UV filters (Plexiglas UF-3 or equivalent) are
PEMANENTLY in place (no slip-ons because they also slip-OFF).  "UV-free" fluor-
escents are available but because of their high replacement cost and their
being able to be quietly replaced by ordinary bulbs (a good place to save money
when the pinch comes) I wouldn't recommend them.  A good idea is to use
indirect fluorescents, bouncing the light off of a surface painted with titan-
ium dioxide white paint; it is a UV absorber.  Filter the indirects, too.  Yes,
"foot candles" is probably still undertood most places but if you want to speak
the lingo, use "lux" (1fc = 10lx).  Read Thomson, Garry. Conservation & museum
lighting; also his Museum environment, 2d ed.