AUDIO/ VISUAL PRESERVATION

Audio-Visual materials and collections can be extremely diverse, often encompassing a diverse range of various formats, including (but not limited to) VHS and Beta-Max tapes, cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs, 8-track tapes, and a wide array of film types. Preservation of these various media types entails the combined steps taken to maintain the object in its existing condition, and to ensure accessibility permanently of an audio-visual.

Below are general handling and preservation guidelines, with links to additional readings on the handling and preservation of audio-visual materials.

Preservation Tips

General guidelines detailing how best to handle and preserve audio-visual materials. These tips were adapted from the Library of Congress’ preservation web page for Audio Visual Materials.

Proper Handling of Audio-Visual materials

Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling materials
Store, handle, and operate A/V materials in a clean environment, on cleaned and well-maintained equipment (follow machine documentation for proper maintenance)
No food or drinks near A/V materials
NEVER touch the playing surface(s)
When dealing with items preserved in cold storage (such as nitrate films), make sure to allow materials to acclimate to the room temperature before attempting play back

Handling Various Formats

Disc handling: to handle grooved discs (such as lacquer discs, vinyl LPs, or 45’s), hold it only by the edge and label area
Optical disc: CDs and DVDs should be handled by the edge and center hole
Magnetic tape | Reel-to-Reel or Open Reel: handle the reel by the edge and center hub, making sure not to squeeze and crush the tape
Magnetic tape | Cassettes, audio and video (VHS, DAT, etc): handle these types of magnetic tapes by the outer shell, and never touch the spools

Proper Storage Conditions for audio-visual materials

Generally with all audio-visual materials, the ideal storage is cool with low humidity
Keep exposure to all light sources minimal, with no exposure to intense or direct lights
Minimal to no exposure to strong magnetic fields
Distance from radiators, vents, and sources of vibrations
Store all A/V upright to keep the material from warping its shape
Ensure shelving is strong enough to support the weight of your collection
Store grooved discs of different diameters separately
Store any reels 10” and over in boxes with supports for the hub, to ensure the weight of the reel is not on the reel’s edge
Store any played tapes without rewinding: it is best to rewind just before playback
As always when storing materials, make sure any storage boxes are made acid- and lignin-free

General Storage Recommendations

Relative humidity for all audio-visual formats: 30-50% RH
Optical Media (CD/DVDs): 40-68°F (general room temperature)
Magnetic Tape: 40-54°F
Film: 32-54°F
Digitization is a highly recommended preservation suggestion for all formats of audio-visual material (see the Digital Preservation section for more details)