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

["Marie Azile O'Connell" <marie.oconnell@xxxxxxx>]

Hi Christie

I have a few suggestions -

As a rule I don't trust the information on the box until I have heard the
actual
content in the tape.  If this matches what is written on the box, then you are
lucky!

I would invest in a pen known as a 'Magic Marker" or "Magic Pen".  This tests
the Ph of the box and any paper notes that may be inside the box.  My guess is,
they will be acidic and will need to come out of these original boxes.  You
merely draw a small line in an unseen place and 'magically" before your eyes
you will know the state of the box, paper notes!

Before discarding the original boxes, you really need to check that the content
is actually what the box says and then photocopy the old boxes.  I would then
keep Control Folders for each reel with this information in it.  You may wish
to keep these boxes, but keep them away from the rest of the collection.

Whilst you are checking content on the tape you can also check for old splices,
that will need to be replaced; the speed of the tape - 15/16ths, 1 7/8ips, 3
3/4ips, 7 1/2ips etc; if the content on the tape does NOT tally up with the box
details then good notes can be written up to remedy this; also you can check
the state of the actual tape pack and make notes on that - what you want is a
nice flat pancake; check for mold and dust/debris - if mold is present you must
wear a special mask as the spores a highly toxic and can damage your health.

I realise this is a lot of work, but it will save you headaches in the future! 
Just remember, please don't bake acetate tape!

Cheers

Marie

-- 
Marie O'Connell
Sound Archivist/Sound Engineer/Sound Consultant
www.cupsnstrings.com
3017 Nebraska Ave
Santa Monica, CA, 90404
Ph: 310-453-1615
Fax: 310-453-1715
Cell: 601-329-6911


Quoting Christie Peterson <cpeterso@xxxxxxxxx>:

> 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
>