Re: [ARSCLIST] Reel-to-reel preservation supplies?

[Geeta Jatania <geeta.jatania@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi there

Acid free containers and reels are definately the way to go eg: polypropylene.  Storing tape on larger hubs is better for the tape due to less tension being applied.  Bear in mind that this will have storage implications.ie larger hub means larger container, which means more shelf space required for storage.

A good tip for detecting acetate based mag tape: Hold tape up to the light.  If it's transluscent, it's acetate.  If it's opaque, it's polyester.  (Note this is only applicable to mag tape as opposed to identifying any type of film)

You'll know if it's far gone vinegar syndrome as you cannot mistake the smell.  However vingegar syndrome may still be present in it's early stages without being able detect any odour.

So it's a good idea to check all acetate-based tapes for the level of vinegar syndrome.  You can purchase A/D strips for this.  Ensure you separate acetate tape from polyester to reduce risk of cross contamination.  Copy all your acetates ASAP.  If you cannot do it immediately, acetate tape should be kept in cold storage (8 degrees centrigrade with 17% relative humidity) to slow down vinegar syndrome.  

Vinegar syndrome is very serious and if you want to ensure your collection survives, it's important to take steps now to address it.  If no action is taken you stand to lose that content because of the autocatalytic nature of vinegar syndrome.

Hope this is useful.

Kind Regards

Geeta Jatania
Preservation Officer - Audio
Preservation Services
National Archives of Australia
Locked Bag 4
CHESTER HILL, NSW 2162
02 9645 0145
geeta.jatania@xxxxxxxxxx



-----Original Message-----
From: Christie Peterson [mailto:cpeterso@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, 27 September 2006 6:05 AM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Reel-to-reel preservation supplies?


Hello, List.

I am working with a large number of reel-to-reel tapes from the 1950s 
through 1970s.  Some are acetate, but most are mylar/polyester/plastic.  
The reels range in size from 3 inches to 7 inches, and almost all are in 
their original, consumer-grade housing (plastic reels in cardboard 
boxes).  They're almost all in very good, playable condition, and we'd 
like to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Currently, the tapes are stored in their original boxes on end in 
acid-free Paige-style boxes, but we would like a more elegant solution 
that is both better for the tapes (especially the acetate ones which, I 
understand, are pH sensitive) and easier for us to organize, since the 
various sizes make it difficult to keep them in order inside a large box.

Does anyone have any storage ideas, and does anyone know of a supplier 
of reels, 'archival' grade boxes for reels, etc.?

I'm already aware that the tapes should be stored tails out, and in a 
'library' or similar well-packed wind.  I've also been reading a bit 
about acetate tapes, so I'm aware they are subject to vinegar syndrome, 
just like acetate film.  Any other tips, tho, would be welcome!

Thanks in advance, everyone.

Christie

-- 
Christie Peterson
Project Archivist, Muskie Archives & Special Collections
Bates College
70 Campus Avenue
Lewiston, ME 04240-6018
 (t) 207-753-6918
 (f) 207-755-5911
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