Re: [ARSCLIST] environment controls

[Joe_Iraci@xxxxxxxxx]

Of course,  from a chemical degradation point of view, dry and cold is
best.  A relative humidity of 0% means no binder hydrolysis and low RH with
cold storage means a very slow rate of hydrolysis.  However, there has been
hesitation to use cold storage because of the anecdotal evidence of
lubricant migration at lower temperatures (less than 8 degrees Celsius) and
possible tape pack distortion.   I believe the Image Permanence Institute
may be looking at this problem.  See the citation below from Consdist list
in June of 2003.


"RIT Studies Increasing Shelf Life for History Preserved on Tape: Image
Permanence Institute receives grant to enhance magnetic
 tape storage.  The Image Permanence Institute (IPI), part of RIT is School
of Photographic Arts and Sciences, received nearly
 $400,000 to support its three-year study, Preservation of Magnetic Tape
Collections. The grant is made possible by the National
Endowment for the Humanities......."

Joe Iraci
Canadian Conservation Institute

---------------

Mr. Brothers:

Is anyone testing to determine what the effects of low RH storage might be
on the extended term stability of the lubricants, abrasives, &c.?  Do the
manufacturers release information regarding the types and amounts of the
ingredients used for their tapes?  Thanks,

Walter Cybulski
Preservation & Collection Management Section
National Library of Medicine