Housing and Storing AV Materials: A Basic Introduction Jane Hedberg Senior Preservation Program Officer Elizabeth Walters Preservation Program Officer.

Housing and Storing AV Materials:A Basic Introduction

Jane HedbergSenior Preservation Program Officer

Elizabeth WaltersPreservation Program Officer for Audiovisual Materials

Liz CoffeyFilm Conservator in the College Library

Weissman Preservation Center

December 1, 2010

Purpose of Workshop: Overview

Brief introduction to the formats most commonly found in libraries

Brief recommendations for proper handling, housing and storing of those formats

Brief descriptions of the most at-risk items

Durability of Audiovisual Materials

In spite of some advertisers’ claims, AV carriers are not permanent or durable

AV materials were not designed for long-term use

“Benign Neglect” is not an acceptable preservation option for most AV materials

AV carriers and equipment are complex

The more complex the system, the more likely something will fail

AV systems can suffer from: Carrier failure Carrier and equipment

obsolescence Carrier and equipment

incompatibility

General Threats of Damage/Deterioration

Chemical, mechanical or biological Decay of component materials Improper playback Careless handling Water Mold Vermin

Deterioration may not be visually obvious

Handling: General Guidelines

Minimize handling as much as possible If you do have to handle it, use extreme care Avoid touching recording surfaces

Always have clean hands, in some cases wear gloves

Avoid wearing clothing with hard fasteners, decorations, etc.

Remove any jewelry, ID badges, etc. that could snag on media

Treat all carriers as if they are heavy, fragile, and brittle

Handling: General Guidelines, cont.

Avoid drops or sudden shocks Work surfaces should be clean, uncluttered,

sturdy, and large enough for the materials Minimize exposure to dust, heat, moisture,

and light Never try to play back legacy AV carriers Never write on containers while carriers are

inside Do not leave carriers outside their

containers any longer than necessary Train staff in proper handling techniques

Storage: General Guidelines

Provide proper containers Store carriers in proper orientation Separate different types of carriers, if

possible Keep the environment as clean, cool,

dry, and dark as possible IPI Media Storage: Quick Reference

(for magnetic media, film, CDs and DVDs) http://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org/shtml_sub/msqr.pdf

Containers: General Guidelines

Sturdy construction Made of inert materials

Should not react with carrier materials Prevent movement of carrier inside

container Keep carrier in proper storage orientation Open and close so as not to damage the

carrier Provide protection against water or insect

damage

Prime Directive for AV Materials

Always retain originals or designated masters after copying.

Assistance

The WPC staff will help you, or will put you in contact with someone who can.

There are many resources available on campus, and in the wider audiovisual preservation community.

Please Contact Us

Weissman Preservation Center617-495-8596

http://preserve.harvard.edu

Jane Hedberg [email protected] Walters [email protected] Coffey [email protected]