[AV Media Matters] metal vrs wooden shelving for VHS tape storage

[mha@durab.com]

Does anyone have data on magnetizing of metal shelving from long term
storage of VHS cassettes?  Any suggestions on how to mitigate?
thanks
mark
Mark Hopkins + Associates
28 Warland Avenue
Toronto ON M4J 3G2 CANADA
tel: 416-421-5369
fax: 416-421-7788
e-mail: mha@durab.com

Monitors Comment:
This comes up now and then - the short answer -get  Metal Shelves not Wood.
VHS tapes will not magnetize shelving - but people usually ask about metal
shelving demagnetizing VHS cassettes - that is not an issue either unless
1. There is a VERY strong magnetic field CLOSE to the tapes for a LONG TIME
2. The shelves have previously been used with rare book bookends that have
VERY STRONG magnets that will sometimes magnetize the shelving - but whether
the field strength is strong enough to do anything is questionable even in
that case.

jim