|
Preservation
|
PRESERVATION ADVICE ON CARE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS
MICROFILM, MICROFICHE, AND MAGNETIC MEDIA
1. Microfilm should be handled only by the edges or by the leader footage; fiche should be handled only by the header. Treat microforms like photographs since they made of the same materials. Fingerprints leave oils and acid on the surface which blur the image and attract dust and dirt.
2. When working with a large quantity of microfilm or fiche, wear white cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints or scratches.
3. Ideally, microfilm should be stored on inert plastic reels in closed acid-free boxes. Metal reels with sharp edges can scratch and rust. Cardboard boxes that no longer provide protection from dust and dirt should be replaced with acid-free ones.
4. Remove all rubber bands on microfilm reels. Sulfur in rubber bands causes chemical reactions that damages the film; even so-called archival rubber bands cause problems. Use acid-free paper wrappers instead.
5. Microfiche are best stored in individual paper envelopes. This provides protection from dust, dirt, and abrasion. The envelopes should be designed with the glued flaps on the outside, away from direct contact with the fiche. Filing without envelopes is okay ONLY IF temperature and humidity are kept low to prevent them from sticking together.
6. Microfiche, like microfilm, should be protected from airborne dust and dirt and stored in closed containers or cabinets.
7. Magnetic media, such as floppy disks and audio/video tapes, is a sensitive medium. Direct finger contact on tape or disk will cause contamination and, possibly, loss of data. Skin oils attract dust and lint.
8. Never place floppy disks or other magnetic media close to a magnet or other magnetic sources. Televisions, computer monitors, and telephones all produce magnetic fields. Don't use their surfaces as storage areas for recorded magnetic media. Computer systems staff can supply more information about the care of computers and computer-related products.
9. Protective storage is important for all magnetic media, from office floppy disks to home videotapes. Small particles of dust, smoke, and air pollution can cause data errors and image loss.
10. Store computer and videotapes vertically. Check them annually for deterioration. Rewind tapes every few years to redistribute tape stress and avoid print-through if items are in long-term storage.
11. A clean, stable environment is important for all library materials, but is particularly critical for non-print media. Keep temperatures and relative humidity controlled at the level that is best for the medium being stored. Microfilm, microfiche, and other photographic products should be stored at 30% RH, while magnetic media can tolerate up to 60% RH as long as it remains constant. Temperatures should be maintained at 65.0-70.0F. if materials are stored in a public space, lower if strictly a storage area.