Re: [AV Media Matters] Disaster query

[rohre@ARLUT.UTEXAS.EDU]

Peter makes many good points.  As a precaution, as you should always
approach media with care to keep it clean, and to be prepared for any
eventuality, we have basic rules in our tape labs and archive.

All media is either in a dust resistant package, tape belt sealed glass
reel, box, or closed tape case.  Or if opened, it is put on a recorder with
a closed door protecting the tape, and only left on the drive during actual
use.  At the end of the day, everything goes back in its box, tape case,
tape cabinet with doors closed, etc.
Most reels use both sealing belts and boxing to protect them further.

Of course, no food, drinks, smoking or handling media except wtih clean
hands.  Lint free gloves are used for critical media.  Fire extinguishment
chemicals in the archive area are types that do the least damage to media if
discharged, ie gaseous types to displace oxygen.  Dual HVAC systems with
regular filter maintainence, monitoring of humidity and temperature and
recording trends all contribute to the protection of archives.

A disaster survey before somethng happens is a good "what If" exercise.  A
post disaster recovery plan written down before various types of disasters
befall an archive is useful to know what to do, and where resources are kept
that might be needed quickly.  A drill of the plan will show difficulties
that might have been unexpected in how long it takes to get response from
water removal companies, finding highly filtered vacuum cleaning equipment,
etc.

Regards,
Stuart Rohre
ARL: Univ. of Tx