Re: arsclist Reels and boxes

[Sarah Stauderman <stauderman@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

With regard to acidic boxes:

There has not been any research to suggest that acidic boxes are harmful to
polyester-based magnetic media; however I can think of two important reasons
why acidic cardboard boxes are not desirable for long term storage:

1) Acidic boxes will deteriorate over time, weakening the box structure, and
creating particles of paper fiber that will be attracted to the surface of
the magnetic media.  This will result in a storage unit that cannot support
its contents, and longer cleaning times and higher costs when magnetic media
is played or transferred.

2) Deteriorated acidic boxes look bad.  Patrons and co-workers will treat
your materials with care when they look cared for.  A poorly stored and
presented archival material is poor housekeeping, and indicates indifference
or worse.

One could extrapolate that acidic boxes promote further deterioration in
cellulose acetate-based magnetic media materials given that there is some
research regarding acidic storage containers and cellulose-acetate based
film materials (acidity begets cellulose-acetate deterioration).  But again,
there's been no specific research (that I know of) for containers and
magnetic media.

Best,
-- 
Sarah Stauderman
Conservator
VidiPax
450 West 31st Street
New York, NY  10001
www.vidipax.com

in Washington D.C.:  202-546-2453