STORING AND PROTECTING YOUR COLLECTION

 

The following article is an extract from 'The Care and Handling of Recorded Sound Materials' by Gilles St-Laurent of the Music Division of the National Library of Canada.
A proper environment for the storage of sound recording is essential to retard degradation mechanisms. Elevated temperature and humidity can affect certain chemical properties of the plastics that make up recording media and can also create an environment that encourages the growth of fungus. Wide or rapid fluctuations of the environment are equally detrimental to the long term preservation of sound artifacts.
Acetate discs
Shrinkage of the lacquer coating due to the loss of plasticizer is the primary destructive force of these discs. Excess moisture will accelerate plasticizer loss. Acetate discs decompose continuously, and over time react with water vapour or oxygen to produce acids that in turn act as catalysts for several other chemical reactions. One of these is the release of palmitic acid, a white waxy substance. Acetate discs are very susceptible to fungus growth. Excess heat will probably accelerate the loss of the coating adhesion.
Vulcanite discs
Vulcanite discs are adversely affected by elevated levels of light, heat and humidity. In response to light and heat, Vulcanite loses sulfur. Light induces oxidation and form oxides of sulfur and sulfuric acid in the presence of humidity. The acidity builds up to a level at which the degrading material is attacked and eventually decomposed.15
Shellac discs
High humidity levels accelerate the embrittlement of shellac discs. This embrittlement causes a fine powder to be shed from the disc after each playback, effectively scraping away groove information. The severity of the embrittlement is unpredictable, due to the wide combinations and variety of materials (and of material quality) that were used during their production. The average shellac content in a shellac disc is approximately 15 % with the remaining 85% composed of aggregates. Organic materials in the aggregates are susceptible to fungus attack, while shellac itself is said to be fungus-resistant.
Vinyl discs
Vinyl discs are adversely affected by ultraviolet light and thermal cycling (heat fluctuation). The consequence of thermal cycling is that each cycle of temperature results in a small irreversible deformation, and these deformations are cumulative. Vinyl discs are resistant to fungal growth and are unaffected by high humidity levels.
Proper storage environment
• Store recordings at a maintained temperature of between no more than 15-20°C. Fluctuation of temperature should not vary more than 2°C in a 24-hour period.
• Maintain a relative humidity of 25-45%. Fluctuation of relative humidity should not vary more than 5% in a 24-hour period.17
• Maintain proper ventilation and a 13b ir circulation of stacks at all times to avoid any micro climates.
• Keep sound recordings in dark storage when not being consulted. Fit light fixtures with fluorescent tubes which do not produce ultraviolet radiation in excess of 75 µw/lm (microwatts per lumen)
 

GENERAL CARE FOR VINYL RECORDS

 

It is equally important to handle, store and play records with the same care used in cleaning. Once a record has been thoroughly cleaned, it should be placed in a new, clean inner sleeve. It doesn't make much sense to put dirty socks on freshly cleaned feet, right? Inner sleeves come in different styles and are made with different materials.

There are many opinions to which sleeve is best... I prefer quality made, paper sleeves. I have experienced no damage or problems with these sleeves, when handled properly. I prefer to keep the sleeved record in the original cover jacket along with the original sleeve and any inserts. Some prefer to put the record in a plain jacket and store it and the original jacket together in a outer poly sleeve. This helps prevent further wear to the cover, inner sleeve and other inserts. In either case, use outer poly sleeves to reduce cover wear and dust.

Always store records vertically, leaning as little as possible. It is best to store records in a cool, dry area. Avoid any source of heat such as direct sunlight, heaters, fireplace, etc. and moist or humid areas. Warmth and humidity are ideal conditions for mold, mildew and other fungi which can infest the cover, label and inside the grooves.

When handling and playing records, hold the disk by the outer edge and label. Eliminate contact with the playing surface. Always replace disk in it's sleeve and cover immediately after play. Ensure that your playback equipment is set and adjusted correctly and that the stylus is not worn... Extreme damage can result.

Ken's Music Library #0307