Modern media or ‘machine readable records’ require equipment to interpret the data. In a rapidly changing technological revolution, it is almost impossible to keep up with the formats and hardware required to maintain them as current and useful.
The forms in which these records come are very numerous indeed, and every household in the land will have one or other, and may wish to preserve the information or images on them. This subject is also arguably the most problematic of conservation issues, and the best advice is to consult an expert in each field. Non the less, it is always appropriate to handle, store and copy this information yourself, where you can. Film, magnetic tape, floppy disc and now CDs in all their variations, have a beguiling effect on much of the population.
The following hints are of necessity very basic, but three points should be noted:
General advice for the most common type of media:
Magnetic tape e.g. Video, Cassette, Floppy Discs.
Storage – The cases of these tapes and disks are made of material, which contributes to their deterioration. Original packaging sleeves or leaflets should be stored with the item, but separated by a protective barrier. Magnetic tapes should be stored away from magnetic fields created by machinery and preferably on wooden or earthed shelves. There is some thought that videotape is best transferred to motion picture film. Inspect your collection on a regular basis, which will give you the opportunity to observe deterioration early, take steps to lessen this and to replace packaging with improved products.
Compact Discs: CD’s in many varying forms, (which are evolving as I write.)
Cleaning: Use a soft lint-free cloth from the centre out. Never use cleaning agents – ever. Air puffed over the disc will remove dust efficiently.
The edges and the label side are the most vulnerable to damage, the lacquer layer is very thin and despite the manufacturers publicity, is prone to scratches and abrasion which will damage the information layer below, which is itself very thin.
When removing a disc from the case, do not flex the sides. The centre plastic spring is designed to be pressed, which pops the disc free from the box. The flexing will crack the thin layers that make up the structure of the disc.
Store away from heat and ultra-violet light. The effect of deterioration in CD’s can be seen in a bronzing of the lacquer layer or a creeping mould like ‘blooming’ on the surface that can not be wiped away. The off-gassing from the plasticisers in ‘jewel-cases’ which house CD’s is a major factor in this deterioration, ‘Micro-chamber’ in-fills are sometimes supplied but are placed on the non-label side that does not benefit the truly delicate area, which is the label side. Clear plastic cases are known to be less harmful. It is generally the black moulded insert that contains the undesirable substances. If CD’s become wet or soiled, spray with distilled water, take off surplus water with blotting paper, do not rub. Air or vacuum dry.
Cine Film
Use clean metal or inert plastic film cans one film per can. Ideally film should be rewound emulsion side in, onto plastic bobbins. Blank film ‘leaders’ should be attached to each end of the film for protection. One end can be labelled using permanent felt pen. Store away from light, heat and damp in a well-ventilated strong-room . Badly decomposing film should be safely destroyed by the Fire Service, without delay.
For more information see these web sites:
Wessex Film & Sound Archive www.hants.gov.uk/record-office/film/index.html
Conservation On Line palimpsest.stanford.edu
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