[PADG:1504] Irradiation of cultural materials

["Irene Schubert" <isch@xxxxxxx>]

The Smithsonian has issued a report on the affect of irradiation on
materials which is very interesting.  The full report can be found at
http://www.si.edu/scmre/mail_irradiation.html 

The conclusions which are of particular interest to libraries are:  

"Materials of cellulosic composition, especially plant fibers and
paper, will be quite seriously affected. They 
will loose significant tensile strength and will become more brittle,
while the induced chemical changes, 
chain scission and oxidation, will accelerate their aging processes. "


AND 

"Magnetic media (floppy disks, zip disks, audio and video tape) will
probably loose significant information 
content. Undeveloped photographic film will be exposed. " 

Do any of you know of any research of the effects of irradiation on
library materials? 

Also, if you know of any changes in procedures in acquiring or lending
library materials based on the likelihood of more widespread use of
irradiation to sanitize mail, please let me know.

Does this sound like a possibility for a discussion group at New
Orleans?

Irene