arsclist analog and digital media storage conditions

[Brian Levy <xernaut@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello everyone,

I have a few specific questions about media storage for you guys:

1.a.  Is it best to store analog cassette horizontally or vertically?  What 
about other tape media such as DAT, Mini DV, Hi-8, Digital 8, VHS, etc?  I 
suppose the same would apply in all cases?
   b.  What about CD-R's?  DVD-R's etc.?

2.  We have been storing our media in jewel cases (I read with interest the 
recent discussion on this) on which in the case of the CD-R's we remove all 
paper from the jewel case to avoid acid off-gassing, then dremel (engrave) 
into the jewel case (lightly!) the unique CD-R serial number and other 
archiving-relevant information (since we don't write on archival CD-R's at 
all, only on usage copies).  We store all analog cassettes and other tapes 
in their hard plastic cases.
Then we place the media in Sterilite or Rubbermade plastic storage 
containers which are somewhat more airtight than just storing in a filing 
cabinet or on a shelf alone.
Then, and here's a big question, especially with the magnetic media:
we've been storing these plastic containers full of precious media in 
_metal_ filing cabinet drawers.  We're wondering if this isn't a very bad 
idea due to potential magnetic fields created as the containers are rubbed 
against the metal drawers as they are taken in and out?

3.  And if metal should be kept far away from magnetic media, what would a 
more recommended storage container material be?  Is plastic ok, for that 
matter (including the Sterilite containers)?

Any other comments on this topic would be appreciated.

Thanks once again,

             Brian Levy

--------------------------------------------
Robert Brian Levy
Language Activist; Archiving Specialist
Executive Director
Kiwat Hasinay Foundation
651 S. Peoria Ave. Apt. 4
Tulsa, OK  74120  USA
1-580-515-6011
kiwat@xxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.ahalenia.com/kiwat


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