"The number one problem in Media Storage is lack of complete labeling information
including date, recording format, and proper list of contents."
Media Storage GuidelinesThe number one media storage problem has nothing to do with temperature and humidity. It is non-existent, incomplete, or damaging technique used in identifying the contents: names, places, and dates.Proper handling, consistent cool temperature, mild humidity, clean conditions, limited exposure to ultraviolet radiation (unshielded florescent tubes and sunlight) are the foundations of storage for an extended life. Constant conditions are best, with a maximum of 5 degree F or 5% RH change in any 24-hour period; this will also prevent moisture from condensing on media.
Optical media such as CD, DVD – handle by edges or center hole; store upright on edge. Label CDs in small clear center hub with solvent based permanent marker or on labeling surface using water based marking pen. DVDs can be labeled with permanent marker. Paper labels are not recommended. Avoid air- borne pollutants and prolonged light exposure. Clean by wiping gently from hub towards outer rim. Best storage is in polypropylene (polystyrene is more brittle, cracks) jewel cases, not plastic or paper sleeves.
Ideal General Conditions
Media | Approx. Years | Temp. Deg, F | Humidity %RH | Notes |
CD, DVD | 1990+ | 45-50F | 45-50% | Avoid strong sunlight |
Magnetic media such as all types of audio and videotape and magnetic computer floppy disks.
| Acetate tape | 1934- 1942 | 45-50F | 20-30% | Store upright on edge Above 45F. |
| Polyester tape | 1963- | 45-50F | 20-30% | Avoid dust, pollutants, magnetic fields |
Film media. Handle slides, negatives, and movie film by edges. Store slides and movies upright on edge and negatives in protective sleeves flat and not highly compressed.
| Glass Plates | | 40-54F | 30-50% | Avoid plastic sleeves |
Nitrate film Cellulose Nitrate | 1890-1930 | 32-50F | 30-50% | Fire hazard; 'safety' film is non-nitrate. Off gassing can damage other film. |
Acetate film Cellulose Triacetate, safety film' | 1930-1965 | 32-50F | 30-50% | Smells like vinegar as it decomposes. Common useage after 1951. |
| Polyester film | 1965- | <50F | 30-50% | Emulsion can seperate with thermal cycling. |
Paper media such as letters, newspapers, and photographs- store flat (not folded) in acid- free (lignin-free) or polyester folders (alkaline buffered folders for acidic paper); don’t weight heavily. Minimize UV from direct sun and florescent lights. Use pencils (not pens) to label. Do not use pressure-sensitive or ‘archival’ tapes. Newspapers and documents can be photocopied onto archival quality paper with carbon black toner using a properly functioning copy machine or laser printer to preserve information content.
| "Rag" paper | <1850s | 45-72F | 30-50% | Good survivability |
| Wood pulp paper | after 1880s | 45-72F | 30-50% | Self distructs due to acids |
| Books | | 45-70F | 30-50% | Store upright or flat, do not compress tightly. Remove from bookshelf by faces, not spine. |
| Photo prints | | 45-70F | 30-50% | Avoid acidic paper, cardboard, PVC jackets and 'magnetic' photo photo album pages. |
| Inkjet prints | | 45-70F | 30-50% | Very sensitive to water and UV; fades easily. |
Records, audio cylinder. Wax cylinders are very fragile. Clean by wiping gently along the groves.
| Acetate, Vinyl records | 1950-1990 | 40-80F | 70-80% | Handle on edges. Store upright on edge. |
Shellac records (78) | | 40-70F | 45-50% | Handle on edges. Store upright on edge. |
| Wax Cylinder | | 65-70F | 45-50% | Handle in center hole. Store upright on edge. |
This sheet was compiled from the best practices of others and is provided as a courtesy to our customers; we can not guarantee its correctness. Use your best judgement for you media.
Technical Sources: U.S. Library of Congress/ Preservation. ANSI IT9.13, 1996. IPI. Canadian Conservation Institute. © 2007 Green Tree. All rights reserved..
"The Second largest problem in media preservation is Obsolescence, and Third is technical storage conditions."